Although I recently commented on II Corinthians 4, there are other verses on which I would like to focus today. This chapter, which speaks of the need to persevere in the Gospel ministry, is preceded by the explanation of the ministry of the Spirit, and how the Lord is changing us as we gaze on His glory: But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (II Cor. 3:18) Based on this reality, Paul proceeds: Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. He details how this treasure of the Gospel resides in our earthen vessels that the excellence of God’s power can be seen through our weakness (see vv. 8-12 and II Cor. 12:9-10). In this ministry, as we are hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down, we are not crushed, not in despair, not forsaken, and not destroyed.
Based on the glory of God shown in us, he restates the conclusion of verse one: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day (v. 16). Even in the midst of our weak, declining, and perishing outward man, we are renewed on the inside. We are then given the correct perspective: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (vv. 17-18) How could we ever view some of these trials as light and temporary! They certainly can seem very heavy and long-lasting. As verse 18 states, it has to do with our perspective, our focus on the eternal versus the temporal.
Years ago, my wife and I were at an emergency room with dear Christian parents whose son had been in a terrible accident. This son’s prospect for living seemed quite dim. I keenly remember the mother proclaiming a single word: PERSPECTIVE. Although her emotions and imagination could easily dominate, she chose to focus on the Lord and His bigger picture. In this situation, God chose to save this young man’s life, although he was paralyzed from the waist down. He is a testimony to God’s grace and has used this tragedy to minister God’s “Good News” to others. His name is Ben Hetrick.
May God help us get His perspective, and realize that the trials here are actually light and temporary. He wants to work through our earthen vessels for His glory if we will let Him.