Monday, January 5, 2009

Is this passage invigorating or scary?

First off, I am not some Bible beating crazy. But I came across this passage and it excited me because nothing done with passion is safe from pain and uncertainty. Cleary I am not comparing what I am doing with Paul. Blood, sweat, tears, severe pain are part of life. The choice is ours as to what we are suffering for.

...been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

No comments:

Post a Comment