Get Thee Behind Me (Rewind)
Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 NASB
It – Paul’s comment has perplexed exegetes for centuries. What exactly was his “thorn in the flesh”? A good summary can be found in Frank Viola’s discussion—along with Frank’s unique explanation.[1] Unfortunately, since we have only half of Paul’s letter-writing conversation, we will probably never know for sure what he had in mind. The Greek grammar allows both neuter (“it”) and gender (“he/she”), so the choice must be determined by context. But today we are interested in something else about this verse. We are interested in Paul’s discontent!
Three times Paul asked. Why? Why wasn’t once enough? This is Paul, Sha’ul, the man of vision, commitment, and sold-out discipleship. This is a man who was privileged to see the third heaven (and what is that?). This is a man selected for a very special role. So, why did he ask three times? The number isn’t theologically significant. But the fact that he was dissatisfied with the result is. Paul’s statement helps us realize that there is always a battle when it comes to submission no matter how many years of dedication precede the event. Paul’s statement also helps us realize that God doesn’t always answer us, even if we are fulfilling His will.
You will notice that Paul didn’t consider this a light matter. The verb parakaléō (translated “implored”) indicates that he pleaded with his Lord. He was distressed. He needed resolution. He wanted his Messiah to act! But nothing happened, until he finally received the message, “Your request is not going to be granted. What I am doing in these circumstances is sufficient. Go forward.”
What about you? What about that distressing thorn in your life? How many times have you pleaded to have the Lord remove your burden? And for good cause too. “So that I might serve You better.” “So I won’t be so distracted from the task.” “So my life will be more holy before You.” But it’s still there, isn’t it? Still a barb. Still annoying. Still a taunt, a disparagement, a goad. You and I want hearts fully committed to the Lord of lights. So why doesn’t He do something about these vexing irritations? Why indeed? Perhaps our emissaries of opposition are exactly what He wants for us. Perhaps removal would change the game so much that it would veer off in another direction. Perhaps what is really needed, as Paul discovered, is trust.
Can you pray a prayer of gratitude for your thorn?
Topical Index: thorn in the flesh, parakaléō, gratitude, 2 Corinthians 12:7-8
[1] http://frankviola.org/2012/04/24/paulsthornintheflesh/
Did Yeshua not pray 3 times that the cup be removed from Him but also submitted to, ” Not my will, but . . .”
Maybe, like coming to the friend at midnight and asking for loaves of bread we are supposed to knock multiple times. But the real key, perhaps, is do we come to a point of contentment. I tend to come to a point of resignation which certainly is not the same as contentment. There is a great different between “giving up” and “submitting.”