March 19, 2023

Daily Devotion:

“Persecution Directs Us toOur Reward”

2 Corinthians 4:8–9

We are pressed on every sideby troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven todespair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down,but we are not destroyed.

In yesterday's post, we wereintroduced to four common struggles all servants of God deal with. Really,they're consequences. In 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 we read them: afflicted,perplexed, persecuted, struck down.

The first word, translated"afflicted," comes from a Greek term that suggests the idea ofpressure. This is stress brought on by difficult circumstances or byantagonistic people. In other words, when servants are "afflicted,"they feel under pressure, harassed, and oppressed. The Greek verb, thlibo, is astrong one, meaning at times "to treat with hostility."

Paul goes on to write thereare times when servants of God become "perplexed." Interestingly, thecombination of Greek terms that comprise the original word means "withouta way." It is a picture of confusion—not knowing where or to whom to turnfor help. Included in the meaning of this word would be such perplexingpredicaments as being without necessary resources, feeling embarrassed, and indoubt so far as procedure is concerned. We have the phrase "at aloss" which adequately describes that uncertain feeling. There is more.

Originally, the termpersecution meant "to run after, pursue." It's the idea of beingchased, having others "on our case," we would say. It is an active,aggressive word conveying everything from being intimidated to being assaulted,actually attacked. Servants will suffer persecution. You may recall Paul'swords, written to Timothy: "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in ChristJesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). Persecution is one of thosepainful consequences, along with affliction and confusion.

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