Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 13:1-4.
“1 This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. 2 I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone, 3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. 4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.” 2 Corinthians 13:1-4.
——————————
The Corinthians were “seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me (Paul)”. In the last two chapters, we read about Paul’s defense of his apostleship. Now, finally, we get to the conclusion. “For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.”
Paul experienced power and signs and wonders. “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.” 2 Corinthians 12:12 He even “was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.” 2 Corinthians 12:4 And yet, we sense Paul’s frustration with the Corinthians and his weakness.
Elijah also experienced power and signs and wonders. Elijah witnessed the miracle of fire on Mount Carmel consuming the altar in bold confrontation with the prophets of Baal and confirming his status as a true prophet of God. “Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God.” Then Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; do not let one of them escape.” So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.” 1 Kings 18:38-40. And yet, in the very next few verses, we read about Elijah’s fear of Jezebel and his fleeing from Jezebel. “But he (Elijah) went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:4.
At times, we may feel like Paul and Elijah. We may do some good works. We may endure through many troubles and afflictions. We may even experience “spiritual highs”. But, we still find ourselves weak.
But, there is hope!
We read in today’s Scripture: “yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.” Verse 4. God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us. “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
God is at work! Just like God worked in Paul for the good of the Corinthians, God is at work in you for the good of others, “both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
We may not know what type of grace that we will receive. It may appear very little. Elijah received a bread cake and a jar of water. “He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, “Arise, eat.” Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.” 1 Kings 19:5-8.
Someone may object: “But Elijah heard the voice of an angel!” But, we have a Bible full of the promises and encouraging words of God!!!
And, someone can be sent by God to act as our angel. In a very difficult time of financial stress (maybe ten years ago or so). I remember not even having lunch money, yet I was summoned to the church by my Pastor for a meeting. I felt weak and murmured: “Here, I am serving God, but I have nothing to eat.” But, God arranged our meeting to be in the fellowship hall at a time when the ladies of the church were serving potluck lunch. When I arrived, they seemed to compete with each other to see who could lay out the best and most food in front of me! They were my angels, and this was sufficient grace.
Today, I feel weak and discouraged. I am just being honest. I don’t know what grace God will send to me. But, I trust Him. “… He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” Psalm 92:15.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 