2 Corinthians 12 reminds me of shopping on-line. Sometimes the reality does not match the image. Quality can be misrepresented, leading to disappointment upon receiving a cheap knock-off. Today’s lesson is about recognizing a great deal. Paul has been comparing himself to the phony prophets in Corinth. He briefly notes his “visions and revelations from the Lord”. Paul was given a peek into heaven, but said only that he “heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell”. Rather than feature this experience to enhance his standing, Paul notes, “I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted”. Paul knows our tendency to elevate a preacher into a super-saint. Instead Paul continuously points to Christ, “I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses”. He notes his physical ailment. “To keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh”. And though Paul prayed for relief, God made it clear that there was a purpose in the pain. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness”. For Paul it was a daily reminder that God is perfect and he is not.
We tend to hide our weaknesses, knowing that vulnerability can be exploited. Paul was magnificently accomplished, yet he explains, “for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties”. Do not misunderstand, Paul does not enjoy pain or sorrow. He understood that our pride can get in God’s way. Our strength, intellect and experience are often insufficient. Paul explains, “when I am weak, then I am strong”. Only by embracing that truth is Paul able to demonstrate “the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles”. Solid boxes sometimes hide damage inside.
The chapter closes with Paul openly expressing his concern for the church in Corinth. “I am ready to visit you for the third time”. He reiterates his priority, “I want… not your possessions but you”. His most sincere desire is that they will fully embrace salvation through Christ. The imposters make promises and take payment, but deliver nothing. Paul wonders if he made a mistake by not charging them a fee. “If I love you more, will you love me less?” After defending himself from the false prophets, Paul continues, “everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening”. Concerned that they have been deceived, he adds, “I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be”. What if they had bought into the false doctrines of paid prophets? “I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder”. Do these items sound familiar? Paul notes the one thing that grieves him; those “who have sinned earlier and have not repented”. Some of us keep reordering the same things, expecting something new. Have you have been ripped off by empty promises? We do not need more stuff! Jesus desires to deliver us out of our sin. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in” (Rev 3:20). Friend, will you open the door today?