Tuesday, January 23, 2024  

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Scripture Reading
2 Corinthians 4:7–15

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture — “I believed, and so I spoke” — we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. (NRSV)

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Reflection

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

On Easter Sunday we all proclaim this together. The sermon, music, and prayers declare that Christ has overcome death with life; hope has triumphed over despair; good has prevailed over evil. We are exhilarated and lifted up by the experience. But several years ago on the day after Easter, our main sewage pipe burst and we had water pouring into our basement. Walls had to be torn out and new plumbing installed. Hope? Good over evil? That Easter message suddenly seemed like a distant memory as we raced on to the next crisis.

In today’s reading Paul writes to the people of Corinthians as well as to you and me to remind all believers not to give up hope in that Easter joy. Knowing that we all need a reminder of the exuberance of Easter he writes, “because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us into his presence.”

We all have challenges, many worse than leaking plumbing. However, we are called as the children of God to live into that Easter joy with all our hearts, minds, and souls. To bring the light of that morning into the darkest places of our lives and to share that light wherever we may go or wherever it may lead.

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Prayer
May I be made strong with all the strength that comes from God’s glorious power, and may I be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled me to share in the inheritance of the saints of light. Amen.

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Written by John W. W. Sherer, Organist and Director of Music

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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