The thorn had been pressed into his flesh, and he felt the pain as he called on
God to give him the strength to climb the stairs to the pulpit. He remembered
the Apostle Paul that had been imprisoned, and that had suffered for many years
with a thorn in his flesh. If Paul could continue to hold up the banner, so
could the preacher. He had to show the congregation that nothing would keep him
from preaching the unadulterated word of God.
The thorn pressed heavily in his side as he felt the pain radiate to the back of
his spine. He began to think of Jesus and how his side had been pierced as he
lay upon the cross. How the pain must have radiated all throughout his body as
the hands, feet and now the side had been pierced. He thought about the blood
and water that started out as a small trickle out of that pierced opening and
how it almost became a river. How that Jesus still would not die until he
decided it was done and finished, and gave up the ghost. If Jesus could still
hold on till it was done, so could the preacher. He had to show the congregation
that nothing would keep him from preaching the unadulterated word of God. Even
if this was to be his last sermon, he would die with a shout for Christ, and his
last words would be: ‘ My Father it is done, and I am ready to go home.’
He thought about the thorn and the grimace of pain on his face became a smile as
he stepped before his Corinth. Today, they would know the truth as the gracious
God above gave him the words to heal their souls. The sweet balm of that
knowledge gave him the strength to approach the pulpit one last time.
2 Corinthians 10
1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in
presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that
confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if
we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the
pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Corinthians 12
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan
to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in
persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I
strong.
Maria Carey
MCAREY@GreenwichLibrary.org
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