I want to spend this evening meditating on that word: COMFORT. A dictionary definition of the word comfort might read as follows:
Verb 1. to soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to 2. to make physically comfortable
Noun 1. relief in affliction; consolation; solace 2. a feeling of relief or consolation.
The opening prayer of the this chapter of 2nd Corinthians starts with, for me at least, an incredibly heartwarming depiction of God as "the Father of MERCIES and the God of ALL COMFORT". What a joyful thought, that the maker of every brilliant star and every beautiful creature on Earth desires to see us comforted and brought to a place of peace in His presence! Amen!
And, like most things that God does, this act of reassurance and peace has a more lateral purpose than just our personal enjoyment of Jesus (though that's not to be understated, IT'S AWESOME!).
Verse 4 of the same book and chapter tell us that Jesus "comforts us in all our afflictions" as a means of ministry to others. The overwhelming love and protection of the Spirit, in our darkest moments and difficult battles, should cause us to pour out that same comfort "with which ourselves are comforted by God". When we see the broken people that God has placed in our circles of influence, we should be contagious with His compassion and desire to see their pains relieved through grace!
IT'S ALL ABOUT SHARING IN EXPERIENCE! Verses 5 and 6 teach us that we are to share in BOTH THE SUFFERINGS AND COMFORT of Jesus Christ. Though many of us, especially in overprivileged America, do not experience the type of suffering or persecution as Paul and the early disciples (not to mention many modern martyrs in various parts of today's world), we are called to take joy in EVEN OUR DIFFICULTIES because they lead us to a better understanding and appreciation of God's salvation and providential comfort. And in the evangelistic sense, suffering for or comforting our brothers and sisters in Christ (and suffering for those who need His salvation) is HUGELY IMPORTANT! Don't forget that Christ said that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for his friends. "If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation" (Verse 6).
I absolutely love the confidence Paul (and Jesus) have for the church in verse 7 when he says "Our hope for you is unshaken." What do we have to fear? If Jesus has raised us up with Him through the sharing in His death AND resurrection, what can come against His body?
To finish pondering this wonderful chunk of scripture, I encourage us all (since I need this reminder daily) to pray ferverently for each other in our ministry to the lost. The rest of this passage down to verse 11 recounts Paul's struggles while in Asia and how the prayers of the church at Corinth made a massive difference in his deliverence from dangerous situations.
IT IS CRITICAL for us to be aware of the sufferings of our brothers and sisters and JUST AS CRITICAL to pray for the sufferings of the unsaved, if we are to join in the comforting process of the Spirit for both parties.
Many don't believe God loves them because they have lived a life devoid of healing or comfort. Let the hands and feet of Christ not be idle when God has given us comfort and power to make a change!
Blessings!
-Grady
No comments:
Post a Comment