DAY #275: 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

Although Paul didn’t give many details about this ecstatic experience, he did write that he was caught up into the third heaven. In Paul’s day, the notion of multiple heavens—from three to seven heavens—was common. Scholars who have systematically analyzed the use of the words “heaven” and “heavens” in the Old and New Testament believe that the Scriptures use the word “heaven” to refer to three separate places.

The first heaven is the earth’s atmosphere (Acts 1:9-10); the second heaven is the entire universe, which contains all the stars (Genesis 1:14). The third heaven, beyond these two heavens, is where God himself lives (1 Peter 3:22). This is the “heaven of heavens” (Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 68:33). Whether or not Paul had this three-fold division of the heavens in mind, it is clear that he considered the third heaven as the highest heaven. Paul saw his revelation as an extraordinary and unique revelation.

What Paul saw and heard in heaven was meant for his own edification. Most likely, God was strengthening and encouraging him for the extraordinary trials and suffering he would have to face in order to preach the Good News (Acts 9:15-16). Paul mentioned it here only to invalidate the claims of his opponents in Corinth.

Paul sensed he was on shaky ground when he started referring to a revelation that he couldn’t describe. He didn’t want anyone to mistakenly think that he was boasting about himself in this revelation. Therefore, he once again issued a disclaimer that he wasn’t boasting in himself. Paul turned attention away from his vision and to his weaknesses.

In fact, to keep him from getting puffed up about the extraordinary privilege of the visions he had seen, Paul was given a thorn in his flesh. The exact nature of this is not known, because he never reveals it. Because the Greek word for “flesh” can refer either to one’s physical body or one’s carnal self, there have been numerous conjectures concerning what the “thorn in the flesh” was.

The Greek word for “thorn” can also mean “stake.” The word is used in the Greek Old Testament for Israel’s neighbors who had become a temptation and a snare to the Israelites (Numbers 33:55).

Paul had to explain the reason for his thorn, because the Corinthians valued success instead of failure, power instead of weakness. Those who are so often dazzled by success need to learn the same lesson. Christ loves to work through weakness.

Although Christ did not remove Paul’s affliction, he promised to demonstrate his power in Paul’s weaknesses. Knowing this, Paul saw insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities in a different light. When he had no options left, he would be forced to run to Jesus. Paul’s utter dependence on Christ came into clear light. Christ’s clear manifestation of his power in Paul’s weakness would become a source of inspiration and a reason to praise and glorify Jesus. Truly when Paul was weak was really when he was strong.

The fact that Christ’s power is displayed in weak people should give believers courage. Instead of relying on their own energy, effort, or talent, they should turn to Christ for wisdom and strength. Weakness not only helps a person develop Christian character; it also deepens that person’s worship, because admitting weakness affirms Christ’s inexhaustible strength.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what i have read today?)

In the midst of painful experiences and hardship and suffering we need to be reminded that as believers, we have a home in heaven. This earth is not our home. We are citizens of a different nation.

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3 (NIV)

I pray this morning that this truth will encourage your heart. I pray that you will set you eyes on heaven and not on the things of this earth.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

I pray that you will remember that the junk you have to deal with here in temporary.

(Jesus) "I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous: I have conquered the world." John 16:33 (NJB)