2Corinthians 11:12 And what I do I will also
continue to do, in order to deny an opportunity to those who want an
opportunity to be recognized as our equals in what they boast about. 13 For such
boasters are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as
apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself
as an angel of light. 15 So it is not strange if his ministers also
disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness. Their end will match their
deeds.
................
2Co 12:5 On behalf of such a one I will
boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6 But 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, 7
even 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.8 Three times
I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but 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. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for
whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul
writes about “boasting”. He is annoyed that there are preachers who boast about
being his equal, and suggests that the only thing that they can boast about is “weaknesses, insults, hardships,
persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ” .
Let
those who want to follow Jesus remember that we are not rewarded with fame,
honour and wealth; instead we are invited by Jesus ‘to take up a cross’ and
follow him.[1]
Ordinary 29 /
Pentecost +22
51 Servants
of Christ
The Scripture
passage for the day is drawn from Reuben Job and Norman Shawchuck, A Guide
to Prayer for Ministers and other Servants, (Nashville, The Upper Room 1983),
311.
This reflection is from my own devotional exercises for the
day.
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