knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. 2 Corinthians 4:14 WEB
Jesus suffered greatly to save us from sin. Although innocent, the Romans beat him, mocked him, whipped him, and nailed him to the cross. He endured the death penalty to pay the price for our iniquity. But even before that, he faced constant challenges and hatred because of his opposition to the evil in this world.
Similarly, Paul and many other believers suffered persecution and pain for expressing their sincere belief in the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Even today, people encounter negative circumstances for living Christian lives and spreading the good news of salvation. But believers know that the same God who raised the Lord is faithful to raise us to eternal life after physical death.
In chapter four of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul mentions the suffering and trouble he endures to bring the gospel message to the world. However, he does not mourn or complain because of it. Instead, he reminds his readers that God, he who raised the Lord, gives comfort to those who suffer for the cause of Christ.
He Will Deliver Us
Paul speaks about God delivering him and others from trouble. Specifically, he writes of being threatened with the death penalty. He expresses confidence that the Lord will continue to deliver the faithful saying in 2 Corinthians 4:10, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. NIV”
Given the promise of eternal life and understanding the truth of Jesus’ resurrection from death, the apostle found comfort in the surety of a good outcome. Paul soldiered on comforted by the Holy Spirit, reinforced through his prayer life, and encouraged by the prayers of others.
The word of God and the faithful support of fellow believers helps us to endure the difficult days that sometimes come because of our faith in Jesus. James 1:2-3 offers these words of encouragement saying, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. NIV”
We persevere comforted by our faith that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise each of us to spend eternity with him in the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. I approach you in humility with the righteousness given me through your grace and my faith in Jesus Christ. Comfort me and comfort my fellow believers as we share the good news of Christ with a fallen world. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Children of God
