To my
shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in
whatever respect anyone else is bold-- I speak in foolishness-- I am
just as bold myself.
Insights: First, I am grateful to be back sharing my thoughts which
are derived from my sermons each week. I
have missed you all during my time of computer exile. Second, let’s jump into today’s Thoughts by
Scott. This week’s passage of Scripture
is 2 Corinthians 11:21-30. In this
passage Paul is justifying his ministry through the various areas he has sacrificed
for the Lord. Paul starts with a comment
about his weakness in comparison to these other “apostles” and he concludes in
verse thirty with another statement about his weakness in which he will boast. This first area in which Paul displays his
sacrifice is regarding himself. In other
words, if Paul was trying to be bold for his own reputation he would not have
been in the ministry. He was a
stuttering, for all practical purposes, blind, hunchback. He is not the poster boy of good looks and
charm. As for his stuttering, in verse six
of this eleventh chapter Paul states he does not speak well. Church history points to his stuttering. As for his eyesight, the letter to the church
of Galatia references the peoples hurt in regards to Paul’s vision. As for his hunchback appearance, we rely on
church history. Here is the point. If Paul cared about his reputation, he would
never have been a minister of the gospel.
He has none of the natural appeal often times associated with what we
would consider a successful preacher in the human sense. Yet, Paul is declaring, I am bold for Jesus
because it is not about me, but it is about Him. It is as if Paul is saying, “If people make
fun of me because I stumble into walls and stutter when I speak and look funny hunched
over, then so be it, my Jesus is worth it!”
We live in a society where people make all kinds of excuses why they can’t
do something for Jesus. Paul would look
at our society and say, “What is wrong with you? Is Jesus not worth any self-reproach? Live boldly for Him and stop focusing on
yourself!” Beloved, let us live that
kind of life.
Questions:
- Is there anything in your life holding you back from
sacrificing your all for Jesus?
- What is the Lord telling you to do for Him?
Prayer: Lord, Paul is such a faithful example of obedience. Thank You for the encouragement he brings
into my life. May I learn to be as
sacrificial as he was. May I walk boldly
like him. Amen.
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