For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers' minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God. For what we preach is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your servants (slaves) for Jesus' sake. For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:4-7
Unbelievers often describe God as silent, invisible. But the reality is somewhat the opposite. God is speaking, but we are deaf. He is visible, but we have been made blind. It gives one a better perspective of what is really going on.
And what is it that has been hidden from us? The illuminating light, light itself. Can you imagine, concealing light?
So, if sight is what unbelievers are lacking, understanding this helps us to pray for them. We can pray that they might see, that they might receive the illumination of their minds to the Gospel. We can pray that they will grasp the revelation of Christ as the manifestation of God.
And how sobering, to think that the treasure, this light, is being carried about in our mortal bodies. How wonderful, to consider that we possess this treasure. Whatever day-to-day drudgery we might find ourselves a part of, the reality is that if we possess Christ, we possess this light. We are light-bearers.
Lord, I am your messenger. Throw me like a blazing torch into the night.
Mary Skobtsova (took another woman's place in a Nazi gas chamber a day before the camp was liberated, Easter Eve, 1945)
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