The Renewing Gift
A Devotion
The Goodsoil Discipleship Ministry
By Bro. Andy Madonio
January 12, 2001
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5.
It is a delicate work to comfort those who have felt tragedy or loss or heartache or setback. The exact words or the perfect phrase are as elusive to the would-be comforter as the present hope for recovery and healing is to the afflicted. This is not so with God; He is the "God of all comfort." No difficult situation or tragic irony is baffling to the God who comforts all. In His own limitless and perfect vision, He always casts His eye to the far reaches of the future -- to those who will require support and comfort in the days to come. He has, as Rich Mullins phrases it, a "relentless affection" for us, and so His love propels Him onward. Yes, the Lord comforts us in all our affliction out of His great love, to be sure, but He is also driven by His vision of multiplying this comfort to the world via His children.
He comforts us "so that" -- it is this "so that" which points to the "why" of God's comfort -- "so that we (His children) will be able to comfort those . . . with the (same)
comfort with which we (are) comforted by God." God's desire, ultimately and always, is for us to be just like His Son Jesus. It doesn't take many true, devoted imitators of Jesus to turn the world upside down. Suddenly we find ourselves in need, and the comfort of God descends upon us, touching and healing. That God-comfort is not like ointment in a container that ultimately runs dry, oh no! His container of balm is always full and fresh, but it now rests in our hands. We may choose to set it on a shelf and neglect it for years, resulting in a terrible waste -- an act for which we will be held accountable. Or we may obey God with the understanding that we are the medical staff that must go out into the world and dispense, what is ultimately, the love of God. How is His love administered today? It is poured out, shed abroad, from within our hearts to the world (Romans 5:5)!
comfort with which we (are) comforted by God." God's desire, ultimately and always, is for us to be just like His Son Jesus. It doesn't take many true, devoted imitators of Jesus to turn the world upside down. Suddenly we find ourselves in need, and the comfort of God descends upon us, touching and healing. That God-comfort is not like ointment in a container that ultimately runs dry, oh no! His container of balm is always full and fresh, but it now rests in our hands. We may choose to set it on a shelf and neglect it for years, resulting in a terrible waste -- an act for which we will be held accountable. Or we may obey God with the understanding that we are the medical staff that must go out into the world and dispense, what is ultimately, the love of God. How is His love administered today? It is poured out, shed abroad, from within our hearts to the world (Romans 5:5)!
In a sin-filled and fallen world, there are none lacking the need of God's perfect comfort and love. Take your "bowl" of ointment with you today and give the gift that revives and renews forever. Our own words and sentiments may be adequate or they may be found severely lacking, but we have the cure right with us. You must never hold fast to what God has freely given you; it is freely given so that it may be freely given again!
