Sexagesima- Glorying in Infirmities- II Corinthians 11:19-31

 On this Sunday almost sixty (Latin sexagesima) days before Easter, my attention has been drawn to the Epistle from II Corinthians 11:19- 31. In this passage, the Apostle Paul summarizes his ministry and some of his difficulties. Then in II Corinthians 11:30, he concludes, "If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities." Those who follow Jesus Christ must follow Him in the way of the cross. Despite our creaturely proclivities, we must not look for worldly ease or earthly glory. Instead, we must look to Christ and pursue spiritual goals which are contrary to worldly ways of thinking. Believers need to see worldly trials and struggles as ways leading to heavenly glory.

This Christian principle is always true, but sometimes we need to be reminded, and we need to think of how it applies in our lives. This week, two distinct applications have struck me. First, there is an application to the church calendar. During pre-Lent and Lent, we highlight themes of self-discipline and self-denial. Such themes are important for living a Christian life and for striving to follow our Lord. It is not our outward triumphs that mark our loyal discipleship. Rather, it is our perseverance through unpleasant and difficult circumstances and through our infirmities that indicate our faithfulness to Christ.

Secondly, this principle has a special relevance to Christian discipleship in these historic times. A cursory examination of the news shows great challenges. There are corruptions, absurdities, and evil in many places. This decadence is widespread in religion, even in supposedly Christian churches. So Christians who strive to be faithful in doctrine and conduct are frequently confronted with blatant false teachings and evil behavior from their leaders and fellows. 

Historically, there have always been human failures, but in recent times, the failures are more widespread and systemic. Christian institutions that have been faithful in some respects in the past may no longer be so today or tomorrow. Opposition and even persecution may suddenly come from new directions. And our personal strengths may feel overwhelmed. But we do not face the world confiding in our own strength. Like the Apostle Paul, we must be ready to face a variety of challenges allowing the grace of God in Christ Jesus to work through our infirmities.