Wednesday, 21 October 2015
Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 2 Corinthians 9:3
Paul begins this verse with the word “yet.” This is a subtle hint of what he will say next. He had just mentioned his boasting concerning the church at Corinth to the Macedonians, telling them about the zeal he witnessed there in regards to the gift. Despite this zeal, he felt it prudent to ensure follow up to the promise by saying, “I have sent the brethren.
These are Titus and the two other unnamed brothers mentioned in verses 8:22, 23. The intent, at least in part, is to avoid the personal embarrassment of Paul as well as of those in Corinth. It was his plan that gift’s presentation not fall short of the promise “lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect.”
We can imagine the embarrassed stares all around should those in Corinth not provide as he had said they would. Each party would have secret thoughts of being duped or of having failed in their commitment. In the end, nobody would be left untouched by the failure. Because of this, he was doing his very best to ensure that those in Corinth would “be ready.”
Life application: Which is more embarrassing – to fail to meet a promise or to be the one who reminds the person of the promise they made? Both can be cumbersome and difficult, but if a promise is made which will affect numerous parties, it is certainly best to ensure that the promise is fulfilled. In such a case, we can come to this passage in 2 Corinthians and see how Paul has handled this very delicate matter.
Heavenly Father, it is amazing how many real-life applications can be found right in Your word. Countless situations occur which lead us to a better understanding of how to deal with similar matters which arise in our own lives. And why is this? It is because You are the One who fashioned us in the first place! You know exactly what is needed in all situations and so You’ve given us a guide for these times. Thank You for Your precious word! Amen.