READING: 2 Corinthians 2:5-6:13
Today as I read 2 Corinthians 4, I recall again the number of verses of the New Testament that describe the enemy’s desire to keep people in darkness. For example, as highlighted in italics:
- “But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Cor 4:3-4)
- “He [God] has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” (Col 1:13)
- “And you were dead in your trespasses and sinsin which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spiritnow working in the disobedient.” (Eph 2:1-2)
- “Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Tim 2:26)
- “’to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” (Acts 26:18)
I read these words, and I grieve on behalf of those I know who are not following Jesus. At the same time, though, I know God is still a prayer-answering God who is still calling people to Himself. May He daily give me hope because He has already broken the back of the enemy through the death of His Son (Col 2:15).
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What non-believer most comes to mind for you as you pray today?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I plead with You to open blinded minds.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Corinthians 6:14-10:18
