2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven-whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. Verse 3And I know that such a person-whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows- Verse 4was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. Verse 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Verse 6But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, Verse 7even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Verse 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, Verse 9but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Verse 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Devotion
I can’t help but wonder how the discussion might have gone, with Paul and his friend comparing the spiritual experiences of being “caught up to the third heaven” with “having a vision of Jesus where he called me by name, and I was struck blind for three days.”
Would these two have been impressed with each other’s experience? Would they have been a little competitive—adding details in an “I can top that” sort of way? Or would they have rejoiced in the wonder of how God reached into both their lives in different ways, giving each of them something to share with the world?
Paul goes on to speak about weakness and boasting and a “thorn in the flesh.” Perhaps it is not our imperfections that get in God’s way, but our obsession with being strong. How does the fear of not being right, or not being good enough, interfere with my ability to share with the world what God has done for me?
Prayer
Gracious God, you have gifted each and every one of us. Forgive our preoccupation with ourselves and move us outward—just as we are—trusting in you to sustain us. Amen.
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