Verse of the Day 1/22

Verse of the Day 1/22

2 Corinthians 4:4-5  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.  New International Version (NIV)

I read today's verse in the  English Standard Version refers to the "god of this world" where the NIV (above) referred to the "god of this age" .  Both boil down to the same thing that John MacArthur calls the "world mindset", stating that it is expressed "by the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes  and views of the majority of the people.  It encompasses the worlds philosophies, education and commerce."

Reading these verses and that statement brought to mind that world mindset that we see around us and which has just been evidenced in recent elections.  No matter what side you were, for,  or perhaps neither, everything being reported had to do with the polls, the opinions of the parties and candidates and their goals, the philosophies of the platforms and what would be the right combination to sway the voters. 

All of this showed that the "world", it's systems, cannot see that light of what it really needs.  It does not need a person, at least from this world, to lead them.  What it really needs is to see that light of the gospel through the lives of Christ's followers.  The Message reminds us that "our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you."

We've a story to tell to the nation(s) and it is not a story about ourselves. Read the passage from The Message below.  Consider how we, in our small corner of the world may turn the attention to what is true, what is right, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

1. We've a story to tell to the nations,  that shall turn their hearts to the right,  a story of truth and mercy,  a story of peace and light,  a story of peace and light.  Refrain:  For the darkness shall turn to dawning,  and the dawning to noonday bright;  and Christ's great kingdom shall come on earth,  the kingdom of love and light.  2. We've a song to be sung to the nations,  that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,  a song that shall conquer evil  and shatter the spear and sword,  and shatter the spear and sword.  (Refrain)  3. We've a message to give to the nations,  that the Lord who reigneth above  hath sent us his Son to save us,  and show us that God is love,  and show us that God is love.  (Refrain)

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

2 Corinthians 4:4-6The Message (MSG)

^3-4 If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.

^5-6 Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.