“We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 (NIV)
Living our faith before others can rightly be understood as a burden. Exercising our commitment to Christ is in many ways a heavy burden. Yet, a disciple of Christ refuses to give up and quit (v.1). Our dilemma doesn’t deal with our faith in Christ. We know in whom we have believed and are certain of his power and care. Yet, our motives are sometime misunderstood; and it becomes necessary to defend them (vss. 2-4). Christ is always the focus and priority of his disciples. The disciple is always the servant of Christ (v.5). It is God who enlightens the disciple with knowledge (v.6). The disciple is empowered with God’s power and not by his own (v7). Our personal burden of discipleship is from the Lord, so we refuse to be deterred (vss. 8-9).
Unlike Paul, our discipleship and ministry may not be a daily risk of life; but if we are faithful, then “the death of Jesus” – that personal sacrifice for the sake of others – clothes our body. Paul’s meaning here must go beyond the salvation from the death of Christ. Yes, that must be the foundation garment of the disciple’s clothing, but there is something deeper here. Consider that the death of Jesus did not occur at Calvary. Yes, his body was yielded up to death at Calvary and it was authentic death. But Jesus died in the Garden of Gethsemane when he said, “not my will but thine.” Indeed, we may conclude that His “death” was actually realized in the courts of heaven when he said, “I’ll go.” So then, those who are dead with Christ (2 Tim. 2:11) are not only alive in Him but also exemplify the “life of Christ” in their living body (2 Cor. 4:10).
We do not want to be relieved from this burden because we understand what it means to us and to those around us. We exercise our ministry on behalf of Jesus for the benefit of those to whom we minister (vss.11-12). So it isn’t a burden at all, but a joy of service.
Dear Father, thank you for the joy of serving you and others. Empower us with the proper perspective. Enable us with faithfulness. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the joy of your ministry,