Coffee With The Lord

There are passages of Scripture that are both inspiring and intimidating… Today during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read (and reflected) on one of them… 2 Corinthians 11:21-33.

In this passage Apostle Paul is addressing the challenges he is facing to his Christ-given “apostolic authority” by the church in Corinth (a rebellious, “super-spiritual” bunch of Christians). Apologetically he “boasts” ,,, not in his accomplishments, but what he has experienced in service for the Lord and on their behalf. In fact, he has declared, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord! It is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends!” (2 Corinthians 10:17)

So my recommendation? Read 2 Corinthians 1:21-33 (below), reflect on it, and allow it to “inspire and intimidate” you… “Inspire” by emphasizing that the Gospel and service for the Lord are worth whatever sacrifices are required. “Intimidate” by allowing the example of Paul (and other dedicated servants of the Lord) to be viewed against sacrifices you and I have been called upon to make for the cause of Christ.

“Whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.” (2 Corinthians 11:21–33 ESV)

Sin and rebellion lead to God’s judgment… BUT that does not cancel out God’s gracious redemptive purposes! Psalm 78 is a testimony to that reality!

I read the sad story of human sinfulness and rebellion in the first part of this extended Psalm that led to God’s discipline and judgment… But the Psalm ends like this:

“They tested and rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep his testimonies, but turned away and acted treacherously like their fathers; they twisted like a deceitful bow. For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols!

“When God heard, He was full of wrath, and He utterly rejected Israel! He forsook His dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where He dwelt among mankind, and delivered His power to captivity, His glory to the hand of the foe! He gave his people over to the sword and vented his wrath on his heritage!

“BUT he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loves! He built His sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which He has founded forever. He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes He brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, Israel His inheritance. With upright heart He shepherded them and guided them with His skillful hand!” (From Psalm 78:56–72 ESV)

Oh the wonderful mercy, grace and redemptive purposes of God! Our sin leads to the Lord’s judgment and discipline, but in the face of it all, HE FINDS A WAY TO FULFILL HIS WONDERFUL REDEMPTIVE PURPOSES! Praise the Lord!!

“AUTHORITY” – Ever see it ABUSED? Ever felt the sting and pain of authority’s abuse? Oh and the damage and destruction it causes!

On the other hand, the appropriate, discerning, wise and GODLY USE of authority can bring peace out of chaos, solve problems, bring efficiency, and enhance leadership success!

This morning during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” I read Apostle Paul’s personal VALUE STATEMENT on “the use and abuse of authority” … It’s found twice in his 2nd letter to the church in Corinth (a church that challenged and resisted His apostolic authority)…

“Authority, which the Lord gave me for building you up and not tearing you down!” (From 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10)

So this is what I wrote in the margin of my Bible today: “The use and abuse of authority – as a leader I must get it right – and keep it right! Help me Lord!”