2 Corinthians 2:14b-16 MSG In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
1 John 4:4-6 MSG My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.
Observation
2 Corinthians is written by the Apostle Paul to the church he founded in Corinth. A faction arose in the church which disputed Paul’s authority and teaching. Paul had to confront this faction not to preserve any status or position of power on his part, but, rather, to assure that the Gospel was truly and accurately taught to the people. It is the truth that sets people free.
This is not the only time of conflict or persecution that Paul faced during his Christian life and ministry. He relates to us that ministry has joy, hope, sorrow, rejection, pain, and fulfillment. He asks us to remember that one person’s victory is another’s defeat. Satan is not a good loser and he will do his best to convince us that we are really the losers by trying to discourage us with difficult circumstances, struggles and rejection. Paul is telling us here that, regardless of our circumstances and the struggles we may face, we always have victory when we are in Christ. “In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.”
Should we be shocked or taken aback when we experience conflict or rejection in ministry? Should we lose hope when it seems like we are on the losing end of the victory parade? I don’t think so! Jesus is the incarnate God, the ultimate teacher, full of the Holy Spirit, power and wisdom. Yet, the crowds that sat under His ministry had varied reactions – some were forever changed, some thought it was a good message and left unchanged, some were offended and wanted to kill Him. Jesus was overturning sacred cows (traditions held to be above criticism). This made Him very unpopular with, and even dangerous to, those in authority. Paul is telling us that we should expect no less. Jesus hanging on the Cross did not look very victorious, but that day in actuality was the most victorious day in all history. Our victory is sure through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
Impact on Me
There are plenty of times I have felt like I was on the losing side in ministry. It is usually when things don’t go the way I have planned or I don’t get the result I expected within my timeframe and in the way I decided demonstrated success. Through introspection and seeking God on what I classed as my failures, there are several replies by the Holy Spirit in return. “Did you consult me on the plan and my desired result?” “There seems to be a lot of ‘I’ in the planning and not much ‘us’.” It is in those moments I realize that I was setting the expectations rather than letting God be in control. I wanted Him to bless my plan rather than listen to and submit to His. I wanted to set the standards for success which means that I did not trust that His plan from the foundations of the world was still sufficient. Have I joined the ranks of those who looked upon Jesus on the Cross and despaired because it didn’t fit my definition of Messiah?
It is that exact moment, when I position myself at the foot of the Cross, when I see His blood running down, that I repent for my pride and foolishness, asking forgiveness for doubting God’s plans and the execution of them. While His ways may seem to me like an oddball way to total victory, I resubmit myself to be obedient whether I understand or not. There will always be people who “belong to the Christ-denying world.” Sometimes, it will seem like they are victorious over the Gospel. However, we always have victory over them because “the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.” We cannot let circumstances, struggles and trials make us forget that in Christ we are in the victory parade, not just watching it!
Devotion
Lord God Almighty, Father, Son and Spirit, Who is all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful, I worship You. Forgive me for my foolish human pride that can rise up to doubt that You are and will always be in control – regardless of the circumstances, my expectations, how or whether I am received. What the disciples considered the worst defeat in history (You on the Cross) was actually the ultimate victory in all history. Work in me to trust that, as I walk in the footsteps You have placed before me, I don’t need to look back, right or left but only forward as I follow You and live in the victory parade. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.
Pressing On In His Footsteps 