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3/13 Reading Portions: Exodus 24; John 3; Job 42; 2 Corinthians 12

Listen to the audio devotional above, and/or read the written devotional below.

CONTENT

The Lord Jesus Christ was everything to Paul. It didn’t matter what situation or circumstance to which he found himself. He listed many of the perils he encountered in the previous chapter: imprisoned, beaten nearly to death many times, whipped, bludgeoned, stoned, shipwrecked, castaway, hungry, thirsty, destitute, suffering exposure, and much more (2 Cor 11:23-27). Moreover, Satan’s messenger harassed Paul and the Lord had given the apostle a thorn in the flesh so as not to be conceited (2 Cor 12:7) from the overwhelming and unspeakable revelation of heaven he had witnessed (2 Cor 12:1-6). He was content to suffer weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for Christ’s sake. The word “content” comes from a Greek word which can also be translated “approve of” or “take pleasure in.” Should we not also have this attitude toward life’s difficulties in Christ?

Nothing compares to the glories and blessings of just knowing our precious Savior. What could possibly dissuade us or distract us from unwavering love to Christ? When we are weak, Christ strengthens us. When we are insulted, Christ consoles us. When we suffer hardships, Christ helps us endure. When we are persecuted, Christ defends us before the bar of heaven. When we suffer calamities, Christ shows us the cross. For the glory of His Father and the salvation of sinners, Christ was crushed by the Father’s holy justice beyond our comprehension! Content for Christ’s sake? Yes, with empowered pleasure from grace’s right hand! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

I’m content with all for Christ’s sake—
In Christ, there is no loss;
Although on earth life often aches,
He reminds us of the cross.