Proper 9: Epistle, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10                                          

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Our last reading pointed to the need of faithfulness in declaring God’s truth. Today we get to see a picture of it “up close” as Paul pens a rather guarded autobiography. There is little doubt that the apostle is referring to himself in this passage, but so overwhelmed is he by being the recipient of God’s gifts, that he will make no boast. Note: how different that is from the “alleged” heavenly visions we hear about so often in media religion or in the Christian publishing world.

That points me to the specific line that I want us to ponder in our meditation. In verse 3 Paul writes, “And I know that this man was caught up into paradise---whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows---and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter” (2 Corinthians 12:3-4, emphasis added). Did you catch that? “Cannot be told,” and “man may not utter.” It may be that Paul simply does not have the vocabulary for the right expression. But I think there is more to it. It may well be true that the inspired author cannot find the right words, but I believe that there is something about heavenly glory that must not dare be spoken of in a world so rife with corruption and sin. The ears and minds of our yet unredeemed bodies should not even be privy to such manifestation. And so the apostle declares, “which man may not utter.”

I’m greatly bothered these days by our culture’s sloppy and at times, intentional misuse of language. The fact that God chose to reveal Himself to us in human language sanctifies the use of all verbal and written expressions. We should never take that for granted. Paul did not.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” God’s complete honesty.

This meditation is dedicated, with great affection, to Mrs. Peggy Bennitt.