Scripture: Galatians 4:13-14
You know that I first preached the gospel to you because of an illness. Though my poor health burdened you, you didn’t look down on me or reject me, but you welcomed me as if I were an angel from God, or as if I were Christ Jesus!
Thought for the Day: There has been an ongoing speculative debate about Paul’s physical infirmity. Paul was vague at best when he spoke of it, yet much has been written on this topic. People are fascinated by what it might have been, and the theories are many. I, on the other hand, am fascinated by people’s interest in the ailment as a way of ignoring Paul’s more significant point. Could it be that Paul remained vague as a way of shedding light on what was truly important? I tend to think that Paul remained vague as a way of pointing to the hospitality of the Galatians who did not judge or scorn him because of the ailment? By extensively debating and discussing Paul’s infirmity, a Christian is able to look impressive and engaged without ever doing the difficult work of welcoming the outcast and the sick… whatever it is that they might be facing.
Prayer: Assist me, O God, so I may remain attentive to what is important about your Gospel. Amen.
Mark Burn’s Photography
DON’T MISS THE DISCUSSION
This Thursday at 6:30pm
