The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 12:7-10, “And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me– to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9 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, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Yesterday’s Letter spoke of freedom that the LORD bestows upon us when we trust Him as LORD and Savior of our lives. Yet, here Paul speaks to us of “a thorn in the flesh” –his flesh! Why is it there? Why is it allowed? It is allowed “to keep (Paul) from exalting (himself)” –to keep him from boasting of his accomplishments.

Exactly, what this “thorn” was has been the concern of countless biblical scholars. Paul’s letter to the Galatians contained this verse: “For I bear you witness, that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me” (Gal. 4:15). Nevertheless, the identity of the “thorn” is of less value than its purpose. Even Paul was subject to some degree of vanity –and his prayer was that it might be eradicated completely from his life!

The freedom which we have in Christ does not excuse our human pride; it does not allow it!
So, if we have an ongoing twitch in our eye or a lisp in our speech, it is there to remind us that we are not without the need of Him. The ministry to which He has assigned us demands humility. Humility allows us to speak in love and graciousness. Arrogance produces harshness that, in turn, signals less concern for the message.

It’s really of no consequence what others think of us or what they do to us. What should concern us is their acceptance of Christ as LORD and Savior of their lives. Nothing must impede the power of the Message. So, if we’re in need of a “thorn,” we may rest assurred that Christ will see that we get it.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom