Devotion 2.9.24

2 Corinthian 4

The Light of the Gospel

4 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Wine is enjoyable. A good or great meal can be complimented with a fine wine to make the meal much more enjoyable. A fine cigar can complement a great wine to draw out the flavors from both. Did you ever know that the person responsible for fermenting wine or tobacco to make into the final product is known as a "blender," usually carrying the same or similar credentials for either wine or cigar? The blender at the top of the chain at a winery or tobacconist is usually called the "master blender." I've met a couple in my lifetime, and they talk about a wine or a cigar the same way an expert in art talks about a work of art.

Paul again shows his worldly ways and how he uses them to advance his gospel message in this passage. "Tamper," according to the notes, is a direct reference to the language of that day, to the practice of "diluting wine." So, the cunning of a dishonest merchant to tamper with a product to increase volume while diluting strength is a known thing in Corinth. How do we dilute God's Word? We dilute God's Word when we cheapen it. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote about this extensively in direct reference to the practice of editing scripture to make it more palatable to the Nazi regime by calling it "cheap grace." Luther wrote about this in direct opposition to the hiding of the gospel message in order to raise indulgences to gain favor or access to heaven. We cannot edit God's Word, or change its meaning, to suit our narrative. 

Paul's message is clear, "Scripture will remove the veil" (this week's lesson from Exodus) and shed a light on the truth. God's Spirit will shed light on the truth. Paul notes the "god of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers," a direct reference to Satan. Our job as believers is to present this gospel message of Jesus Christ which counters and sheds light on the "knowledge and the glory of God." "Let light shine out of darkness" is a direct quote from Genesis 1 as God creates light to separate the light from the darkness.

Pray we always present scripture and pray God's Spirit move us to not try to hinder God's message with our own view or narrative. Pray for Christ's mercy when we do. Pray that God's truth spread throughout this world to overcome the god of this world.