A book and its cover
But if anyone dares to boast about something—I am talking like a fool—I will be just as daring. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. Are they Christ’s servants? I sound like a madman—but I am a better servant than they are! I have worked much harder, I have been in prison more times, I have been whipped much more, and I have been near death more often.
(verses 21b-23)
Reluctantly Paul lists his ‘credentials’ for being respected. And it’s quite a list. I’m not sure how many pastors would enlist if they knew this was to be their lot!
It is obvious that Paul feels pressured by the people in Corinth and their flirting with ‘apostles’ whose credentials just do not stand up to scrutiny. ‘Talking like a fool’, he tells them that if they want to make comparisons in human terms, then he can well and truly stand up to be counted.
But a pastor’s call and authority do not depend on what is humanly impressive about them. As Paul often reiterates in these Corinthian letters, his message and his authority depend on one thing only: Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. This should still be the test.
It may help if a person has been a footballer, a superb actor, or a top scholar. But only if these characteristics are part of a person who has a love for God and a love for people, and whose message is essentially and entirely Christ-centred. So often we miss the wonderful human qualities of a very good pastor just because there’s nothing very ‘impressive’ about him.
We need to look to the heart—of the person and of the message—and not just at appearances.
Father, as I serve you, help me to see that my message is your message and that you will give me what I need to serve you best. Amen.
by Robert Turnbull, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)
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