ESOCS Devotional 15 March 2026 – Shout the Good News Without Reservation
MEMORY VERSE: “There are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:9 GNB
TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:1-13
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak,
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If there is any other means by which humanity can be saved, then it is unnecessary for evangelists to risk their lives propagating the gospel. Moreover, if there is salvation through the merits of our personal endeavours, or in good works, then it may be advisable to withdraw from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). However, because the Gospel is the only means by which men can be saved, those who preach the Gospel work against all opposition in order to afford men the opportunity to obey the Gospel.
It follows therefore, that, the motivation of the evangelist is that he knows that what he preaches is the only hope of the world. He understands that there is no salvation in any other name – except in Christ Jesus (Acts 4:12). Believers know that unless one obeys the Gospel, he cannot be saved (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:17).
The message of Saint Paul was one of reconciliation, of becoming a new creation in Christ. His ministry involved suffering for the sake of the Gospel. In spite of all opposition, he rejoiced in his suffering, because his weakness revealed the awesome power of God. The central message of that ministry found its focus in the glory of God Almighty. This was wholly revealed in Christ, and mediated through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The central confession of this message is “Jesus Christ is Lord.” This slogan requires a single-hearted devotion. No more, no less!
Christ Jesus, in our time, is still placing this glorious gospel in our inefficient, carnal personalities.
Reflections
- Against all odds, go and preach the good news to everyone – everywhere.
Prayer
- Lord Jesus, give me the grace to follow.
Further Reading: 1 Samuel 5:1-12; Jeremiah 4:5-15; Luke 14:12-24
ESOCS Devotional 15 March 2026
