2 Corinthians 11:1-13:13; Acts 20:7-12
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2nd Corinthians – Paul’s words in Second Corinthians chapter 11 verse 14 are some of the scariest words in Scripture for each of us to take to heart: “Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light.” Do you believe these words of Paul’s are true? How would you know if something that appears to be good on the surface is not really good at all? Let us pray for discernment in this regards! Let us not ever be fooled by Satan and his disguises! (Okay, I found this scary picture below for this verse… what do you think? Too scary for this blog? Or maybe we should get a bit scared by this verse??)
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “The Father of the Bride Exposes the Master of Deceit” is at this link.
Amazing words from Paul today in Second Corinthians chapter 11 verse 30! “If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.” Why would Paul say he would rather boast about things that show how weak he is? Why would Paul want to be weak in any way? Why would you or I want to be weak in any way? If you must boast, what are you boasting about these days?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “The Reluctant ‘Fool’” is at this link and “Boasting in our Weakness” is at this link.
Paul’s words in Second Corinthians chapter 12 verses 7 through 10 about the thorn in Paul’s flesh are so powerful for each of us to consider for our lives today as well! “But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Biblical commentaries can basically all agree that we do not know what Paul’s “thorn” was. There is some interesting speculation out there. Some think that the thorn is Paul’s flesh was perhaps something that literally affected his flesh – a health issue of some sort. Some think it could have been a disease of the eyes, epilepsy, or even malaria. Whatever the thorn was, it was something that affected him very seriously. And it kept Paul humble in the midst of his incredible ministry. Why do you suppose that Paul was given a thorn in his flesh? Do you suppose you or I might have thorns in our flesh today? What might those thorns be in your life today? And why might those thorns be there? Is there anything you can learn from Paul about your thorns? Can you learn to live with the thorn in your flesh realizing that God’s power in your life actually works strongest when you are weak? Do you believe that God’s power can actually work through the thorn in your flesh for God’s glory? Will you accept where you are weak, so that in that area of your life God will be strong?
Continuing along this point about having a thorn in our flesh. I do think this is a powerful thing for each of us to really meditate upon. I believe that all of us have some sort of thorn in our flesh! (or we will…) All of us are human with various frailties. None of us are Superman or Wonderwoman. We will all grow older – God-willing – and will eventually have health issues that will eventually lead to our death. As Christians we have eternal life after death where all of our thorns will be removed forever! But this side of heaven we will have thorns in our flesh. Perhaps many thorns. But, this is the beauty of the thorns… if we will accept them and give them over to God, God’s power will work in our weakness! If we will give all that we have over to God – the good, the bad, and the ugly, God will show up and move through it. It’s tough I know to really put this into practice – if we lose a loved one, or get diagnosed with a serious illness, or are struggling with an addiction, we can often think “where is God in this??” Well, yes, where is He? Have you opened the door to let Him in the room of that weakness? Will you let his power in?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Boasting in our Weakness” is at this link. Below is a great image from Second Corinthians 12 verse 9 from today’s readings:
Paul’s words in Second Corinthians chapter 12 verses 20 and 21 were written for the church in Corinth. But, imagine if you will that these words were written to you and me today… “For I am afraid that when I come to visit you I won’t like what I find, and then you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfishness, backstabbing, gossip, conceit, and disorderly behavior. Yes, I am afraid that when I come, God will humble me again because of you. And I will have to grieve because many of you who sinned earlier have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure.” What would Paul find if he came to visit our lives today? Would he find quarreling, jealousy, outbursts, selfishness, backstabbing, gossip, conceit, or disorderly behavior? Impurity? Sexual immorality? Eagerness for lustful pleasure? Or – instead, would Paul find peace, joy, love, giving, and purity in our lives? Would we grieve Paul or make him joyful? Better yet, let us reflect upon what Jesus would find in our lives if He came back today? Would our lives grieve Jesus in any way?
Bible.org’s commentary on today and tomorrow’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Paul’s Closing Argument, Appeal, and Blessing” is at this link.
I love Paul’s words today in Second Corinthians chapter 13 verse 11! “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” Imagine that these words were written to you. Are you rejoicing? Are you changing your ways? Are you encouraging others? Are you living in peace? Is God’s love with you this very moment? Is God’s peace with you now?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s (and yesterday’s) readings in Second Corinthians titled “Paul’s Closing Argument, Appeal, and Blessing” is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Crowder’s song “Somebody Prayed:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVITQPGlI30
Have you prayed lately? Click here and Pray!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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