Tuesday, April 22, 2025
2 Cor
11:28-29
28 Beside those things that are without,
that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is
offended, and I burn not?
The Amplified New Testament sheds some light on what Paul was
going through.
2 Cor
11:28-29
28 And besides those things that are
without, there is the daily [inescapable pressure] of my care and anxiety for all the churches!
29 Who is weak, and I do not feel [his]
weakness? Who is made to stumble and fall
and have his faith hurt, and I am not
on fire [with sorrow or indignation]?
AMP
It is unseemly for the Pastor
to complain of
his duties and peculiar circumstances, but this is Second Corinthians
and not First Corinthians. In First Corinthians, Paul was on the
attack against gross sin and error within the church. One member was
intimate with his mother as if she was his love partner. Whether she was his
natural mother or stepmother is hardly significant. In Second Corinthians Paul
is under attack by the church not for substantive issues but for his
tone in dealing with them.
The next time your Pastor gives you a big smile and a warm,
welcoming hug, ask yourself: “Does he know that I am not the Christian I
pretend to be? Is he aware of my spiritual struggles?” In many cases he does
know but he smiles and hugs you anyway.
The burden of knowing is, I think, what Paul was talking
about in verse 28. The word “care” means “solicitude, concern and
kindness.” Pressure builds as the burden of knowing grows. It often stings
more than those 39 lashes received at the hands of both Jews and Gentiles.
Jer
3:15
15 And I will give you pastors according
to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Dear Lord, carry in your strong and
loving arms both sheep and shepherds today. AMEN
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