The expression is archaic in some ways.
What does it mean to be “cast down?”
As in this verse describing our great God … “God, that comforteth those that are cast down.” 2 Corinthians 7:6
Paul here seems to be describing a Trait of God, one that is a permanent Aspect of His Character. It is today called one of God’s “Attributes.”
God the Comforter!
Actually “cast down” is an adjective. It is spelled “tapeinous” in Greek, the language of the New Testament. Pronounce it “tap-i-nos’.” It means, quoting a simple little lexicon, “humble, lowly, poor, meek mild, of humble circumstances,” and also (probably better fitting our context) “downhearted.”
The verb “comforteth” is “parakaleo” and suggests that God comes right “alongside” us! (That’s the “para” part of the word.) And that he will stay there! He fells it is part of His Duty to do so, “kaleo” meaning “called” to some task. Furthermore, the verb’s root is “kello,” meaning “to urge onward!”
When we are saved, from that moment forward … God is by our side, as a function of His very Character! (“I will never leave you,” He once promised!) And He is there to “urge us” to greater spiritual growth, to more fervent prayer lives, to more intense Bible study, etc.
Wow!
When I am meek, I will most notice (and appreciate) His Presence.
And particularly, when I am discouraged or depressed … He is there to aid, to strengthen, to be a Cheerleader in my life.
And the astounding thing … Paul in our Verse today needed that kind of “comfort!” And God, for the Apostle, did so (encouraged him) by sending him a young Preacher named Titus!
The whole Verse now … “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”
So here we learn that not only is God Himself a Comforter. He uses us Christians to be “comfort” to each other as well!
Another New Testament word for this duty (privilege) is “exhorter.” As in Hebrews 3:13 … “Exhort one another daily.”
I end where I began.
Anyone today “cast down?”
Get out you Bible and read!
In Romans 15:4 Paul teaches us that “Through the comfort (parakaleo) of the scriptures we might have hope.”
Then lean today on the Presence of the Holy Spirit. Be aware, conscious of His Presence. He too is our “Comforter,” Jesus’ favorite Name for Him. Also built on the verb “parakaleo!”
Soon … that spirit of being so “cast down” will yield to an attitude like this … “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
Trust and obey!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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