Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
What does it mean to be a servant of God? It is a life that is surrendered fully into God’s control, ready at God’s service wherever He commands. As God’s children, Christ is already the sovereign victor over sin, death and evil. And through his servants on earth, He spreads the knowledge of Him everywhere.
To be Christ’s servants means to willingly obey God wherever He leads us to spread His Word. God’s Word is the most precious thing anyone could ever hear. It is the only truth and source of hope in this world. These words may sound cliche. However, it is reality. If God never revealed Himself to man and if Christ never came to proclaim the truth in this world, we would have no idea of the truth. There would be nothing but human speculations which are foolish in God’s eyes.
To know the truth of Christ and to be able to spread it to others is a grace from God. No one deserves to know God’s love and forgiveness. No one deserves the grace to serve and minister God’s truth. It is grace and grace alone.
Thus, when God gives His children the privilege to spread His Word, there will always be those who respond in grace and those whose hearts are hardened. As God’s servants, those who respond to God’s Word are responsible to God alone. Some will repent because of God’s abundant grace to them. Others will only be hardened by the truth even more as they embrace their stubborn rebellion against God. As Paul says, “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
These things are not in our control. They are in God’s sovereign will. Our part is to obey God and speak wherever He sends us. Take a look at how God sends Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8-13. God tells Isaiah to preach to the people about their own unwillingness to obey God so that judgement would come to Israel and only a small remnant would be left. How people respond to us should not be our concern.
Our concern is to rely only on God to trust and obey Him. We are called to be sincere in following Him. We are not sufficient by our own strength. We need grace and mercy from God. Let us constantly pray for God’s mercy, that we can be shaped and moulded into God’s servants who glorify Him.
Lord, this life is only once. If you do not use it for Your glory, what is its purpose? Please have mercy on us and grant us more of Your abundant grace, which You have promised to us that we may be able to partake in the wondrous works of Your kingdom. We are unworthy and sinful. Please forgive us. Plant in us a humble and teachable heart that is willing to obey and follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.