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Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
Pleasures come in all varieties and types and today's study will show this to be the case. Some have erroneously thought that pleasures of any kind were to be avoided. It is true that pleasure can involve doubtful or even sinful behavior, but it is also true that, depending upon one's frame of reference, pleasure can also be derived from that which edifies and builds up.
To set the stage for this message, I call to your remembrance the well known fact that the apostle Paul had his infamous “thorn in the flesh.” (see 2 Corinthians 12.7). This was not Paul's “A” plan. This should be obvious from the fact that he “...pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.” (2 Corinthians 12.8). The Lord's response to Paul's requests and Paul's reaction to the Lord's response provide the framework for the rest of this devotional.
“And He [the Lord] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12.9). We do not know the nature of Paul's infirmity. Many have speculated, but there simply isn't enough inspired evidence to draw a concrete conclusion. However, we can be certain of one thing, i.e. the Lord's grace was sufficient for him! Had the infirmity been double or ten fold, God's grace would still have been sufficient!
It has been true of old that, even as the Lord told Paul on this occasion, His “...strength is made perfect in weakness!” A survey of biblical characters proves that this has been God's modus operandi from of old. Moses comes immediately to mind. He was not known for his physical prowess or tremendous size, but with God's grace he was able loose Israel from Pharaoh's lethal grip. David was but a lad when he was enabled by God's divine guidance to sink a single pebble into the forehead of the fearsome warrior, Goliath. Jesus was not known for His physical strength (though He was certainly no weakling by any stretch of the imagination). However, He did not make His name by displaying a strong arm; He won the hearts of hearers by appealing to gentler things such as mercy, kindness, love, and a genteel spirit. It is most amazing that the greatest victory ever won was made possible by the death of Jesus Christ. Had He called down the twelve legions of angels that were at His disposal, our sin would yet remain. It was not a show of physical strength that won this battle; it was His quiet resolve to do the Father's will regardless of the personal pain and loss that He would have to suffer!
I think it was with this backdrop that Paul wrote, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12.10). Pain itself is not pleasurable for most folks. However, pain with something to gain is quite another story. This is how Paul could say that he took pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses. He did so for the sake of Christ, that is, to allow Christ to dwell in him and to manifest the same strength that was manifested at the cross of Christ. Had Paul relied upon his own strength, he would have tacitly disallowed the strength of Christ to have been manifested in himself.
This was done “...that the power of Christ may rest upon me [Paul].” This most interesting phrase will close our study. God does not inherently reside in any of us. However, He chooses to abide with or on us when we make Him welcome. That is exactly what Paul was saying. “That the power of Christ may rest upon [literally tabernacle or build a tent] upon me.” He exchanged the inconvenience of a thorn in the flesh for the pleasure of having God abide with him. An excellent choice!
Questions:
1. Why did God choose Moses to lead Israel? What did that choice have to do with Moses' physical strength?
2. What strength of David enabled him to overcome Goliath?
3. In what ways can it be said that God's grace is sufficient?
4. What would it mean if the Lord decided to tabernacle with us?
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