In Weakness We Become Stronger Thru Christ

"Real true faith is man's weakness leaning on God's strength." - Dwight L. Moody

I make an honest attempt to go to the gym and workout at least 3-4 days out of the week. When we set exercise goals we do it with the intent of improving our bodies and health; to become stronger not weaker. I had never heard of anyone exercising with the intent of becoming weak, or weaker. That is, not until I read and meditated on 2 Corinthians 13:4!

The apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians a few months after the first. Although most of the church in Corinth were getting back on their spiritual track, there was still some who strongly denied Paul's claim to apostleship. This epistle was directed at addressing their points of contention.

The beginning of verse 2 Corinthians 13:4 caught my attention: "For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness,..." Have you ever considered Jesus Christ to be weak? After all, he was the Only Son of Our Heavenly Father. I can see you or I being weak, but certainly not the Son of God (2 Corinthians 13:4).

Jesus was mocked and ridiculed as he carried his cross to Golgotha. Even as he hung from the cross dying, people scoffed at and taunted him. They saw him as "weak" and "feeble," unable to save himself let alone anyone else (Matthew 27:39-43).

When Jesus became flesh and blood like us, he exhibited all of our weaknesses. Being who he was, he could have easily called on all of the powers of heaven and earth at any time. But he chose not to for our benefit. He willingly sacrificed himself for us. He intentionally allowed himself to become weak so that we might live.

His death and resurrection lifted the penalty of death off from our backs. By the power of God he was brought from the tomb; and placed at the right hand of God and is our living Redeemer in heaven, and head of the universe (Ephesians 1:19, 20). Though Jesus Christ left our world in "weakness" he will gloriously return in victory one day; regally "mighty and powerful." (Matthew 25:31-32).

We, who are believers in Jesus Christ, may appear weak, too, But we have been given power through God, not to be used negatively, but in striving to display, in faith, the same holy life as Christ exemplified and taught us to follow.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:7, Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 3:18; Isaiah 41:10

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I know that my weakness is necessary to serve You, may You always give me the strength to press on. Amen

May God bless you all!

Kasey