We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. ESV

Many years ago, when I was a pastor of a church in Lancaster, I lived in the nearby coastal town of Morecambe. One day, after doing some pastoral visitation in the city, I decided to walk home. As I came down the hill into Torrisholme, a suburb of Morecambe, I noticed a car parked on the other side of the road. A few minutes later this same car was alongside me. The window was wound down, and a detective showed me his credentials. It transpired that a crime had been committed in that area the previous evening, and I fitted the description of the culprit! Anyway, after a few questions he let me go on my way. (I really did have nothing to do with it, I assure you). But here’s how I knew he was a genuine police officer: his credentials.

In this passage we see Paul’s fragility on display (and there is going to be much more of this to come in the letter). But in a sense we can say he is ‘showing his credentials’, as a genuine apostle.

Talk about kicking a man when he is down. It’s hard to imagine that his opponents would criticise him for his weakness, unfavourably contrasting him with themselves. But it does seem to be the case that this is what they were doing. They were such ‘superstar’ leaders: so charismatic, so powerful (or so they imagined).

But Paul states clearly that authentic Christian ministry is cruciform in shape (10-12). The only way to ‘Easter Sunday’ life and power is by ‘Good Friday’ dying. What a thought that the very life of Jesus can be ”manifested” in a fragile human body. A repeated theme in this letter is that it is through weakness that we experience such power.

‘To me, ’twas not the truth you taught, to you so clear, to me so dim;

But when you came to me you brought a sense of Him.

And from your eyes He beckons me, and from your heart His love is shed,

Till I lose sight of you, and see the Christ instead.’

One final thought for today: it is good to know that, in Christ, what comes against us doesn’t have to finish us (Rom.8:28). I am struck by the contrast between ”We are…but not…” One day we will be able to say of every trial, ‘It came to pass.’

PRAYER: Lord, I often feel so weak, overwhelmed really. The truth is I am weak. But I ask that in my weakness you will be seen, shining in your glorious strength. Cause other people to see your reality in me, for your glory.