Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Weakness in Strength

Bible Portion: 2 Corinthians 11:23-33

“If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:30)
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Devotion


The Gospel of Jesus Christ is more than selling a product to someone. It's God’s great plan for bringing people into a vital living relationship with Him. It involves tremendous physical and mental hardships to the person delivering the Good News to the unreached around the globe. Paul reminds his critics at Corinth church who sometimes suspect his apostolic commission as a genuine Good News bearer. Paul emphasizes his task in an unusual way: 'by boasting in his weakness.'

It's a paradox that anyone can boast in their weakness, in contrast to the world view of human strength and might in carrying out a task. Paul explains in detail of his physical and mental struggles he endured in bringing the Word to others (Verse 23-28) Paul primarily demonstrates his zeal of his commissioning as an apostle. Secondly, as a servant of God his purpose of sufferings in life is to bring glory to God (Verse 31). By going through either physical or mental struggles in the discipleship process, Paul conforms to the suffering servanthood of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53). Thirdly, Paul's weakness made him humbler to endure suffering for his Master.

Can we boast in our weakness for His sake?

 
Prayer
Dear God help me to boast in the Cross of Christ alone. In Jesus's name AMEN.

Thought for the Day
If you want others to know what Christ will do for them, tell them what He has done for you.

Mr. Oommen Varghese
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church New York

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