The Third Visit

2 Corinthians 12-13

　
Paul seems to have spent more time visiting, writing letters and probably praying for the Corinthian church than any of his other churches. In some ways, the Corinthians were his "problem child". In fact, 2 Corinthians was written because a group of men, who called themselves apostles, were bad-mouthing Paul despite all that he had done for the Corinthians.

These men were false teachers who were challenging Paul’s personal integrity and his authority as an apostle. That is why Paul is boasting about his hardships and suffering. In essence, he is defending himself to the Corinthians in order to validate his ministry and therefore his apostleship.

It would be easier for Paul to just quit or to give up on the Corinthians or to rationalize taking the easy way out of not confronting them. But he doesn’t do that. He cares too much for them. He loves the Lord too much. So he keeps reaching out to them. According to my study Bible, Paul wrote them four times and visited them three times. This is more than he did with any other church. Why? Paul answers this question himself.

"Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you." 12:14
If I was a Corinthian and read this it might bring a tear to my eye. Paul doesn’t want anything from them, but them. On the one hand that is very touching, but on the other hand it is kind of scary. Giving yourself is always harder than giving your possessions.

"Everything we do dear friends is for your strengthening". 12:19
Following this verse Paul speaks of expectations, both his and the Corinthians. He makes himself vulnerable by sharing his fears that when he arrives everything could fall apart. Despite his feelings he continues forward for his third visit so that the Corinthians might be strengthened.

Doesn’t God work in our lives in the same way? Doesn’t He keep drawing us closer to Him? Isn’t He faithful in our relationship with Him? Hasn’t He sacrificed much for us?

Even though we turn from Him. Even though we let others lead us astray. Even though we find sin more enjoyable than sanctification. He continues towards His "third visit" with us. And He doesn’t want our possessions. He wants us – every part of our being.

Therefore, don’t hold anything back. Turn it all over to the Loving God who gave His only Son for you.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20corinthians%2012-13&version=NIV;MSG
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/2Cor.12-2Cor.13