Deus Misereatur

  I have been working at memorizing all eighteen verses of 2 Corinthians 4. The whole chapter is about Paul’s ministry, which is a gift of God (v.1). Because of this he responds by exhibiting integrity in what he does (v.1-2) knowing that the devil is involved in trying to block his work (v.3-4), but the message must go out with Jesus as the heart of the gospel (v.5) because God is at work in it all (v.6).   Then he explains that his work, though difficult at times, still goes on by the living power of Christ’s death and resurrection (v.7-12). And he is confident that all he does will be for the good of the Corinthian church and the glory of God (v.12-15).   As important as verses 1-15 are, it’s the final verses (v.16-18) I want to dwell on a bit. Paul is still talking about his ministry. But it appears that Paul’s health is beginning to show the marks of the abuse he has received: “ So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day

  Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” O God see how the peoples and nations of this world conspire and rage against your Son and his Lordship: through adjudication, legislation, execution of orders, shaming on the air waves, taunting and demonizing through social media and music. And in some places downright brutality and cruelty. See, O Lord! Take note and come to the aid of your chosen ones. Further, we long to see our own nation flourish as a just and lawful land. We long to see our neighborhoods, cities, and State to show themselves to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. And dear Lord, on this Memorial Day we remember and appreciate those who died – men and women – giving themselves to the defense of our country, to keep it free from tyranny and tyrants. Oh