WHEN AN APOSTLE IS CONCERNED " . . . and indeed bear with me." -- Tomorrow:
"Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." (2 Corinthians 11:1-4)
INDEED, BEAR WITH ME
Under normal circumstances, Paul would have spent no time speaking of himself, for he considered that to be a vain pursuit. Jesus had not sent him to tell of his own experiences, but to make known "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8). Notwithstanding, because of the boasting of false teachers, and because of their influence upon the Corinthians, Paul sees fit to unveil more of himself – how he thinks, and what it has cost him to bring the Gospel to the Corinthians. He knows that his critics can offer no evidences like this. Thus he asks the Corinthians to bear patiently with him as he provides some facts that can be compared with those teachers who have been subverting them. He views the Corinthians differently than those who declare "another Jesus," "another Spirit," and "another Gospel." He has different objectives than his critics. His vision reaches further, and his intentions are more noble. He will now ask them to consider the truth of the matter – how he really feels about them.
I AM JEALOUS OVER YOU
"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy . . . "
Every person who comes in the name of the Lord, or thinks himself to be in the service of the King, must consider his attitude toward those to whom he ministers. What is his objective for them? What kind of future does he seek for them? What is the purpose of his ministry to them? These are the considerations of one who knows he is a steward, and will be called into account for what he taught, and why he taught it. Preaching and teaching are not religious careers, or a means of gaining wealth or fame.
I AM JEALOUS OVER YOU
"For I am jealous over you . . . "
The word "jealous" comes from a word meaning, "to burn with zeal . . . to be zealous in the pursuit of good . . . to desire one earnestly, to strive after, busy oneself about him, to exert oneself for one (that he may not be torn from me)" (THAYER), "a strong personal concern for someone" (FRIBERG), and "to be deeply committed to something, with the implication of accompanying desire – to be earnest, to set one's heart on, to be completely intent upon" (LOUW-NIDA).
It is interesting that this same Greek word is used in First Corinthians. There it has to do with earnestly desiring the "best" spiritual gifts. "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way" (1 Cor 12:31). Here, however, Paul is not speaking of a zealous pursuit of spiritual gifts, but of an intense and unrelenting interest in those to whom he had ministered – those who were described as his own "work" in the Lord (1 Cor 9:1).
Only those who labor together with God (1 Cor 3:9) have such a passion for, and interest in, the welfare of those on whom their labor is expended. Such individuals stand out from mere religious professionals who, "seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's" (Phil 2:21). This involves a genuine love for the people of God, particularly those who have come within the sphere of the laborer's influence.
Over the years, I have been privileged to come into contact with a few souls like this, who maintained an intense interest in my own welfare in Christ Jesus. I must confess that they have not been numerous, but all of them have had a calculated effect for good upon my spirit. These dear souls were never guilty of setting meaningless trivia before me, or ignoring a carnal bent they may have detected in my walk. They always maintained a kingdom perspective of things, and earnestly sought to feed the flock of God.
There is a certain fervency that comes with serving the Lord. It is the sort of quality that drives mediocrity and casualness out of the chambers of labor, knowing they have no place in endeavors that are related to men obtaining the things God has reserved for those who love Him.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to have a zealous and godly concern for everyone to whom I minister.