2 Corinthians 12:9 Weak Vessels & The Powerful God

2 Corinthians 12:9b

Weak Vessels & The Powerful God

(2 Corinthians 12:9b) “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

You will notice two words associated with a word that does not seem to correlate together in the same phrase. The words being, “gladly” and “glory”. Gladly is the adverb and “glory” being the verb. The idea to glory in this context is to make boastful of. Paul says, “gladly” he would “rather glory” in his “infirmities”. The Greek usage of the word “infirmities” means a want of strength. It is to be weak. How could one gladly glory in a lack of strength? Even more so, Paul says he would “rather glory” in his “infirmities”. In comparison to boasting in his strengths, he chooses to boast in the frailty of who he is. Furthermore, Paul is glad to boast in the weakness of himself. What we will discuss in this entry is why we should “rather” glory in such things. Also, we will examine what is meant by “Weak Vessels & The Powerful God”.

Think of what it means to labor for the greatest causes and fight in the greatest armies. Who would you look for to put on your front lines and into the depths of battle? You would choose the strongest warriors of course! Sure, there may be some meek and lowly candidates for the battle. They desperately need leadership and guidance. They respect and reverence their military leaders. Day and night, they seek for more of their wisdom. However, the battlefield is no place for such a lowly and needy soul. This is often the mindset we have in the Christian Faith. We see the magnitude of importance in furthering The Kingdom, but we misunderstand what it means to be a solder for The Kingdom!

The context of the passage before us allows us to zoom in on the depths of this passage. Paul had been given an abundance of revelations form The Lord. (2 Corinthians 12:8) There was somewhat of a desire within him to glory in the receiving of them (v.6). To prevent Paul from being “exalted above measure”, he received a thorn in his flesh in which the messenger of Satan would buffet him. (v.7) He prayed to God thrice that it would leave him. Yet, verse 9 says, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (v.9a) When Paul begged three times to be restored to a strengthened state, he was refused. Paul was denied the ability to stand of his own accord and strength. Some would say, “What a curse for Paul to receive!” What can be simply understood from this passage is that the greater reliance a man has of his own strength the less he has of the power of God. Paul supposed his greatest need was to be in his proper stature. Yet, he hears, “My grace is sufficient for thee”. Not the strength of Paul! Not the shoulders of 10,000 brethren to lean on! The grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient. Jacob received the blessing when the hollow of his thigh was taken out of joint. (Genesis 32:25-29) Gideon’s army was only ready to defeat the Midianites when it continued to shrink by the thousands to 300 men. For God said that by them, “will I save you”. (Judges 7:7a) The lesser display of man’s strength, the more the presence of God and His power would be manifested unto Gideon.

It could be said, that if you find your greatest zeal is in the company of “strong men” and influential people then you shall not walk in the power of God. If you are compulsive with a high view of self and live self-reliant then you shall not walk in the power of God. If you cannot limp along with Jacob, you shall not reach the blessing of God. If you cannot walk with Gideon in the small crowd of true servants, you shall not reap the victory. If you are not content with the stones of David rather than the armor of Saul, you shall never see a giant fall. If you cannot confess the filthiness of your own tongue along with Isaiah, you will never be purged from your filthiness and be used by The Holy One of Israel. Paul knew his own strength was but a dunghill. For The Scripture says, “the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:25b) The smallest presentation of God’s power is stronger than any army on planet earth combined into one force. One breath form His Holy Person is stronger than the most violent hurricane. His glory is brighter than 10 trillion stars. Paul knew the Lord Jesus Christ had defeated death, rose from the grave, sits on the right hand of The Father, holds the world together by His Word, and takes pleasure in the strengthening of weakened vessels. What a privilege, yes what a humbling thought to have God gird His armor upon such a desperate soul. Hence, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) He goes on to say, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (v.10) All of the tribulations listed in verse 10 were taken with pleasure by Paul that he was a weak vessel by experiencing the power of The Risen Savior.

Friend, the next time you feel weak and downtrodden seek it as an occasion to rest in His power. See the sufficiency of His sovereign grace. The proud and strong in their mind stand not in the upholding hands of The Almighty. But, it is the humble who receive grace as weak vessels resting in El Shaddai!

Works Cited

The Holy Bible Authorized King James Version. R.L. Allan & Son Publishers.