March 24

MADE A SPECTACLE
by Ray Prinzing

"For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."
                                                                                                      (1 Corinthians 4:9).

The Dictionary defines the word "spectacle" as: something exhibited, especially as unusual and notable, a noteworthy sight.  While the Greek word that is used here literally means a theater, or show place.  The Amplified translation gives, "a show in the world's amphitheater."

"For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself."  (Romans 14:7).  This process which God is working in His chosen is before the gaze of the world, angels, and men.  And if so be that you are secluded from the eyes of the world and man, you still are in open view to the invisible realm, as they behold, and learn God's ways, through His dealings in your life.  Thus, you are already becoming a "DEMONSTRATING EXHIBIT" of the inworkings of the grace of God.  True, it may be that for many, the eyes of their understanding have been sealed with a spirit of slumber, so they do not comprehend just what it is that God is doing in your life, but as Paul declared, "this thing was not done in a corner."  (Acts 26:26).

"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,"  (Ephesians 3:10 Moffat renders the pass, Intending to let the full sweep of the divine wisdom be disclosed now by the church to the angelic Rulers and Authorities in the heavenly sphere." Wonderful! God shall yet disclose the full sweep of His divine wisdom, even that purposes in Christ Jesus our Lord.  He is using "His spectacles" as the arena for this display.

Whom is He using?  Glorified gods?  Not exactly.  Christ was declared to be "A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief..." (Isaiah 53:3).  "We also are men of like passions with you..." (Acts 14:15).  Paul recognized his limitations and his passions, his sorrows and his griefs, but he also knew that the was apprehended by God to become a spectacle before all - that God would reveal His grace through His vessels of mercy.