OCT 20

2 Corinthians 4:1-4
Memorise 2 Corinthians 4:4
“the light of the glorious gospel… the image of God, should shine unto them”

Paul, in this passage, gives the reason why it is difficult for some to believe in the saving gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. He explains that it has nothing to do with the gospel itself. If the gospel seemed “hid” and unclear to some, it is not because God had purposely concealed its meaning or from any lack of clearness in itself. It is to be traced to other causes.

It is “hid” to those who are lost or those who deserve to perish. This class of people will not see the truth which condemns their sins. They are like the blind who cannot see the sun. It is not the fault of the sun when people shut their eyes and will not see it. However, this spiritual blindness that they are afflicted with comes about because they have allowed themselves to be deceived by the Devil.

Tragically, the “lost” condemn themselves for they wilfully reject the Saviour who died to take away their sins. Because they persist in their rejection of Christ, they have lost all hope of being saved from hell. Instead, they have sought after the “god of this world” which is Satan and all that he stands for. He rules in the hearts and lives of these lost people. They obey him and submit to his will in executing fraud, even murder, and immorality. As the god of this world, Satan reigns over all who are not in Christ. He blinds the minds of these people and they are unable to see the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Dear teen, continue to pray for these groups of people who have rejected Christ. They may be your loved ones or friends. Though Satan has blinded them for now, in God’s good time they might still come to the Lord. Do not give up on them. As long as God gives them life, there are opportunities for them to accept the Lord. One day, the Lord may see fit to open their eyes and to remove the scales that seemed to have prevented them from seeing the glorious gospel. We often hear of believers who pray for decades before their loved ones come to the Lord.

Thought: We have an enemy who opposes the gospel.
Prayer: Gracious loving heavenly Father, have mercy on those still outside Your kingdom and grant that I may have opportunities to share the gospel with them.