A SLICE OF APOSTOLIC LIFE NOW "Now . . . " Other versions read, "But" (NASB/NIV/NRSV). The word translated "now" means "but or moreover" (THAYER). -- Tomorrow:
"Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." (2 Cor 2:12-14)
Devotion 14 of 24
" Now thanks be unto God . . . "
Paul is contrasting his present state of mind with that which he experienced in Troas. Something has happened that has lightened the load, and removed the restlessness he was experiencing. He has, in fact, been "comforted" – one of the blessed experiences of the people of God.
How glorious is the nature of spiritual life. When there are valleys, they are raised. When there are mountains, they are lowered. When there are crooked places, they are made straight. As it is written, "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain" (Isa 40:4). And again, "will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight (Isa 42:16). This speaks of recovery, recuperation, and renewal.
When we enter into times that are characterized by heaviness, sorrow, or enfeebling obscurity, our faith must stretch forward, expecting the Lord to make essential things "plain" to us. Such anticipation will enable us to get through difficult times, rather than being overcome by them. "The faith of God's elect" is fully capable of carrying them through the desert as well as the pleasant plain, and the dark valley as well as the loft and illuminated mountain.
THANKS BE UNTO GOD
" . . . thanks be unto God . . . "
"Thanks" includes the idea of gratefulness. This appreciativeness is the result of insightful reflection – a reflection in which the working of the Lord becomes obvious. Thanks also includes joy and gladness. It serves to lift the heart when we ponder what the Lord has done, for the Judge of all the earth always does right (Gen 18:25). Many saints forfeit such wonderful times because they fail to think upon what the Lord has done, reviewing their past with a mind to see His hand. If you expect to see the hand of the Lord in your life, then you must master the art of perusing it with the eagle eye of faith.
As evidenced in this text, thanksgiving is always articulated. I do not believe there is an example of thanksgiving that was not expressed in words. Nor, indeed, can I conceive of the possibility of thanksgiving that is not in some way expressed.
Thanks is rendered to God because "of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are ALL things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen" (Rom 11:36). It is because "ALL things are of God" (2 Cor 5:18). He is, in truth, the "one God, the Father, of whom are ALL things" (1 Cor 8:6). More precisely, thanksgiving is the result of spiritual perception – being able to associate what is seen and experienced with the Lord Himself. Faith perceives this, and causes thanksgiving to erupt from the pure in heart.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the privilege of beholding Your work toward, around, and within me.