Yesterday I spoke of doing right and the blessings from God that followed and the consequences of doing what we feel is right instead of following Jesus’ example. Yes, we do have an enemy that tirelessly pursues us but in the end he can only tempt but it is our choice that either sets us up for God’s blessings or the fall that comes before the change. One thing I did not talk about was what Paul referred to as the “thorn in my flesh” cause and effect.
If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
(2 Corinthians 12:6-7 NLT)
As strange as it may seem Paul indicates that God allowed him to have some sort of weakness so that he may be reminded of his own need. Many think it is sickness or some physical limitation but the truth is Paul never gives the details that would support or deny this. The reader is left wondering what he meant, had Paul provided details that would answer the very old question it is possible the reader would have missed the point all together and dwelled on the one thing that beset Paul but the truth is there is more than one tool in the enemy’s shed and he is adverse in using them all. We do know that in Romans chapter seven Paul again gives another hint about the human ability or lack thereof to do what is right.
I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
(Romans 7:22-24 NLT)
In the end we are left with no doubt that we need Jesus. Regardless of our circumstances He meets us in our need, lifting our eyes, and reminding us who we are and all we need to do is remain humble and willing to accept what He has offered. This is why pride is so dangerous, it blinds us to our own need! No one ever said it was easy, if it were would we really need Jesus? Think about all Jesus suffered so that we might be free and understand the punishment He endured for us was equal to the debt that was owed. Now do you still wonder why the war between spirit and flesh rages like it does? Yes, Jesus conquered but so must we for the slave is not greater than the master, Jesus did not die so we could live the life of luxury but so that our souls would be set free from the clutches of sin and death and that we might tell others what He has done, we must follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of Me, for they have rejected the One who sent Me.”
(John 15:18-21 NLT)
