September 19, 2010

2 Corinthians 11:16-33
How did Paul keep going? Look at all the opposition! He was called a fool by those to whom He ministered. His labors were constant. His imprisonments were frequent. His physical perils were overwhelming. On top of all of this, He felt the responsibility of all the churches. That is a load! How did he keep going? He knew that He served the God who was blessed forever. What is blessed forever? Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines bless or blessing as:
the act of declaring, or wishing, favor and goodness upon others. The blessing is not only the good effect of words; it also has the power to bring them to pass. In the Bible, important persons blessed those with less power or influence. The patriarchs pronounced benefits upon their children, often near their own deaths (Gen. 49:1–28). Even if spoken by mistake, once a blessing was given it could not be taken back (Gen. 27:33). . . . One can also bless God, showing gratitude to Him (Deut. 8:10) in songs of praise (Ps. 103:1–2). . . . God also blesses people by giving life, riches, fruitfulness, or plenty (Gen. 1:22, 28). His greatest blessing is turning us from evil (Acts 3:25–26) and forgiving our sins (Rom. 4:7–8).

Is God the one being blessed in verse 31? It would appear so. How could this be a motivation to Paul to keep going in all of his difficult situations? He knew that his ability to continue on in difficult situations came directly from the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. As he availed himself of the Lord’s grace, he was blessing God. God is forever being blessed by those who avail themselves of His grace. Even if we do not bless Him, He blesses Himself. But it is our privilege to enter into blessing Him by availing ourselves of His grace in the midst of difficult circumstances. . Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor John