Oxymoron

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NIV)

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity

An oxymoron refers to a word, phrase or use of language that seems to directly contradict itself. Bittersweet. Random order. Definite possibility. Only choice. Do you know the story about the oxymoron who walked into a bar? The silence was deafening!!

The Apostle Paul, in challenging the church in Corinth about giving, uses the Macedonian churches as an example of radical generosity. He uses concepts that seem to contradict each other. The Macedonia churches were living through great persecution which resulted in extreme poverty. Yet despite being imprisoned, beaten and martyred for their faith … despite their complete material lack … Paul describes them as overflowing with joy!

Only with God can poverty and persecution co-exist with joy in a person. The teaching of Scripture reveals that as followers of Christ we can know great joy even in the midst of great trials. Paul makes it clear that this joy, in the face of pain, is only made possible by the gift of God’s grace at work in us. Whatever you are currently facing today, you can know God’s joy!

This week let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of the riches we have in Christ. That our future is secure in his hands. That all we have needed his hand has provided. So great is his faithfulness.

Prayer —Thank you, Lord that I am blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing. Remind me of the riches I have in you today. May your joy reside deep in my heart.