Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

2 Corinthians 6:2-3

For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

This passage can be divided into two sections for explaining: First of all, the Lord said: "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." This refers to the past. Our God is almighty and is happy to listen to our prayers. Recall before we were saved, God answered when we called on Him. When you and I sought salvation, God rescued us. The Bible says His eyes are fixed on us and His arms are not too short to save, for this we should give thanks and praise!

When I first came to the United States, I studied in Philadelphia and lived quite far away from school. During the winter when I had to walk for half an hour, the journey was especially lonely. During those times, I would feel lost about the future, and would ask God, "Where are you Lord?" God brought a song into my mind which goes like this: Although I am small compared to the heaven and earth, I am not alone, because I have a hand of mercy guiding me. Indeed, God listened to my cry. His hand of grace had guided me through many years for which I give thanks for. God indeed is our Savior.

Secondly, Paul said, "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." This means that now is the time when God's favor is upon us and today is the day of salvation. We need to declare this good news to the people in this world. There may be some people who are standing at the door of salvation and there are people who are seeking strength and help. Christians need to explain God's will to these people so that people will understand that they need to rely on this true and living God in order to receive God's promise. The door of salvation is open for all men. Today is the day of salvation and God's arms are wide open. Yet God has entrusted this mission to you. Hence Paul said in verse one, "As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain." Brothers and sisters, are you willing to spread the blessings that you have once received from the Lord?

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, thank you, because in the time of your favor you heard me, and in the day of salvation you helped me. May you help me, not to receive your grace in vain, but to rise up and work with you to be your channel of blessing. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!