"Paul's Weird Resume" October 25 Readings: 2 Corinthians 11:16-13:14

Today's Reading - 2 Corinthians 11:16-13:14

Background

This section continues, a powerful description of true ministry, and frankly, an odd and counter-cultural defense of a man's ministry. Paul defends the reality of his faith and his apostleship not by his successes but by his sufferings. He then goes on, in chapter 12, to "boast in his weaknesses, because it is in those weaknesses that Christ is glorified.

Paul discusses the concept of the "thorn in the flesh" in chapter 12 as well. This was possibly a temptation or more likely a physical malady that God did not heal to keep him humble and usable. 

As he always does, Paul closed his letter with personal comments and admonitions. There's almost a note of regret in his tone. He's been harsh and he wants to leave on a good note. He calls them to unity, to strive for restoration and unity - which is always the purpose, even when he is giving a stern rebuke.

He is preparing to come and visit them for the third time and hopes that he can do so in joy and peace, not in conflict and tension. 

Devotional - Paul's Weird Resume

 I've seen some internet stories about horrible resumes people assembled in their desires to get jobs - instead of saying the right things to induce an employer to hire them they say the kind of things that make them scratch their heads. Terrible resumes - but perhaps not as bad as Paul's! 

In 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, Paul sends his resume to the Corinthian church. He is not looking for a job, but for their respect. As an apostle, he carries the responsibility to lead them in the ways of God, but they have been all too prone to following the false prophets and teachers. So, Paul sets forth his credentials, his curriculum vitae, which he believes should induce them to listen to him. 

It is not at all what you'd expect. He does not trumpet his preaching skills or give a listing of his advanced academic degrees (Saul of Tarsus was likely a highly educated man, but Paul never mentions it). He lists no awards conferred or honors received or offices held. Goodness, my resume looks better than his. 

Paul went in a completely different direction. In verses 23-25 he "boasts" about how many times he has been imprisoned and punished by the authorities - beaten 5 times by the Jews and 3 times by the Romans. That is not what most people tend to use to lead off their resume. He forgets, evidently, that you are always supposed to be positive, and he recounts all the dangers, struggles and opposition he has faced in his ministry. 

He's never gonna get the job that way, right? 

Not unless we begin to look at things from a divine perspective instead of the human way. In God's eyes, it was Paul's faithful, sacrificial service that made him useful in leading Corinth. It was not his human skills and talents, his intellect or rhetoric, his training or charisma. It was his faithfulness -through good times and bad, through trial and suffering and pain, he continued to serve God's people. 

This is a message we see over and over again, my friends. God can use a talented man or woman if that person will yield his abilities humbly to the master's hands. But God specializes in using ordinary folks who will be faithful and will humbly serve the Body of Christ. You may not be a star in human eyes - we tend to look for different things than God looks for - but if you serve the Body, proclaim Christ and keep on keeping on, you are useful to God. 

Human beings look at Paul's resume and say, "What a fool." God looked at it and said, "Well done, faithful servant." 

Whose approval do you want, when all is said and done? 

Father, may I live my life for you, faithfully serving you in all things, humble and committed to your kingdom and your people. 

Think and Pray

Are you seeking success in the eyes of the world and by worldly standards, or are you interested in the approval of God and are you willing to give yourself completely to the service of God? 

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