“. . .Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.”
II Corinthians 12:9b
He’s our “Partner in pain” and it is His Power that sustains.
What do you need today, Pilgrim, to help you make it through the day? Another cup of coffee? Another pill or new prescription? More money? Others’ words of encouragement? A new start?
The Apostle Paul would tell you, “No, you just need Christ’s ‘abiding Power’.”
The Greek word “episkenoo” is used here for “rest” and comes from the same root word (“skenoo”) that’s used in Jn. 1:14 for the word “dwelt.” In both cases, the real meaning is “to pitch a tent upon, to tabernacle, abide, occupy, encamp, etc.” In the John passage it’s talking about Christ’s Incarnation and how He “tabernacled” among us in human flesh.
But, in today’s Manna, it’s the picture of Christ’s Resurrection Power “encamping” upon us in every situation—especially our times of weakness.
Picture it this way:
You’re completely worn out. Totally exhausted. Like a man in the desert, who’s been lost for days and trudging across the shifting sand dunes in the hot sun. His water’s been long gone. His throat is like sandpaper—so dry and raspy. He can’t take another step and finally falls down face-first in the sand.
But, suddenly. . .out of nowhere. . .help comes to the rescue.
Tender hands turn you over. One strong arm cradles your head as the rescuer slowly pours cool, life-giving water into your mouth. Even though you’re still weak, you look up into the loving face of this one who rescued you from certain death and whisper, “Thank you.”
In the same sort of way Christ’s Power. . .the same Power that raised Him from the dead. . . “pitches a tent” on us. . .sheltering us from the searing heat of oppression. . .refreshing us by His welcome Presence and soothing Love. . .as He whispers, “I’ll never leave you or forsake you. I’ll always be here for you. Just rest in Me now, weary one. I’m here to stay.”
Isn’t that a wonderful picture, Pilgrim?
Most assuredly it is. Hallelujah!!
Yes, that same Power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Power that “delivers us when we’ve been pressed (burdened) beyond measure and strength and even despaired of life itself” (II Cor. 1:8-10).
In this case, it’s not the cavalry to the rescue; it’s Calvary. Glory!!
Why not pause right now, dear Pilgrim, and see what’s preventing you from “giving thanks in everything” (I Thess. 5:18). See if you’ve been “kicking against the prick/thorn that’s been given to you” (II Cor. 12:7; Acts 9:5). If so, pause right now and pray, “Lord Jesus, help me today to glory in my infirmities and even find pleasure in them—knowing you’re using them to further transform me into Your likeness.” Then watch God work; it’ll be beautiful.
October 30, 2011
