Monday 15 June 2009
- Bible Book:
- 2 Corinthians
"We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see – we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything." (v.8-10)
Background
Paul founded the Church in Corinth (the recipients of thisletter). His subsequent letters to the Christians there are full ofpassion. He corrects what he sees as errors; he rebukes them foraspects of their shared life. He defends himself in the face ofpeople who dispute his authority and even his claim to be anapostle of Jesus Christ.
Today's passage continues the reminder in the
Paul then offers his credentials to those who doubt hisauthenticity. In so doing, he gives a moving description of what itmeans for him and his colleagues to be servants of God, apostles ofJesus Christ.
For Paul and his companions, faithfulness to Jesus Christ hasinvolved arduous travelling, sometimes with little sleep and notknowing where the next meal is coming from. They have sufferedphysical attacks and imprisonment. But Paul has not wanted to be aburden to the Churches so he has worked for his living ("labours"in our reading). He and his colleagues have treated people withunderstanding, patience and kindness.
Material possessions are not important to Paul: he is poor but thegood news of God's love which he preaches brings a different kindof riches. For him, belonging to Christ means that even when he hasnothing he has everything that really matters.
To Ponder
If Paul is anything to go by, being a follower ofJesus Christ does not necessarily lead to an easy life. What sortof hardships does such faithfulness involve today?
Could it be argued that Christian people in ourpart of the world, in our time, become too comfortable? In whatways might this be seen?