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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 4 of 5
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
A man in Christ is someone for whom the flesh has lost its rights (Romans 8:1-2). He is "a new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17). His position before God is that of Christ Himself and he occupies it in heaven already by faith. Paul was actually caught up to that place for an unforgettable moment. And what could he see in paradise? Christ raised and glorified. What was he able to hear in heaven? The language of heaven which cannot be translated into the languages of mankind (v. 4). What an extraordinary honour! But this unique experience then presented a real danger for the apostle. In order to prevent him from being swollen with pride, "a thorn in the flesh" is given to him: a trying affliction perhaps, which tended to make him contemptible in his preaching (2 Corinthians 10:1; 2 Corinthians 10:10; Galatians 4:14). "Lord, take this thing from me," the apostle beseeches; "my service will be affected by it . . ." "My grace is sufficient for you" is the Lord’s answer. Contrary to appearances, the thorn was a token of that grace. Did "this troublesome companion of his work" (J.N.D.) not serve the purpose of throttling the flesh in Paul? Yes, infirmities and trials are priceless for the Christian. They help to weaken the man in order that the power of God may appear (vv. 9, 10; 2 Corinthians 4:7 . . .).
