Sunday of Abraham (NT)

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case the god of this world 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. ⁵ For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the light that shines in the darkness. Even when Abraham was old, the light shined and God gave him a Son. Many of us are blinded by this world. There are many reasons why someone should not trust the word of God. The god of this world truly works to blind and bind people in his snare and tomb.

I find this passage to be very significant for the world around me. This world has twisted God’s word to suit its own reasons. You have people fighting to teach evolution and scripture. There are others who want to teach Homosexuality and Jesus. There are others who are twisting together our choice, or decision, with sin and atonement.

We are filled with darkness. We are sinful creatures, lost and condemned. The god of this World has already trapped us and entombed us. But God almighty visited a man named Abraham. He made a promise to this man and to all the nations. He made a promise to Adam and Eve and the serpent. God loved these dark and sinful creatures. So he sent the Light of the World to become flesh and dwell with us, and even die for us. He sent the Light to scatter the darkness.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. God makes the choice to give the light. God provides knowledge to reveal all the deeds of Darkness. God is the creator of Heaven and Earth. God created you, Jesus redeemed you from sin, and the Holy Spirit gives you faith.