By RALPH F. BALOG

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:10

Whenever II Corinthians 11:22-33 is read don't you wonder wherein Paul would
have anything to rejoice about? If anyone was looking forward to a glorified
body, it was surely Paul. Truly he is our example of God's strength made
perfect in physical weakness (II Cor. 12:9-10).

But in this later Philippian epistle, Paul's rejoicing is not for relief of
his physical needs, but rather that other members of the Body of Christ were
learning their responsibility to Paul. He was rejoicing this way because "ye
were careful, but ye lacked opportunity." They had tried but could not reach
Paul with their gifts of love. And for their efforts, Paul rejoiced.

In verses 11,12 and 13 Paul states he is not concerned with his physical
needs. Whatever the Lord allows, Paul will accept. He states: "I can do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth me." In verse 14 he writes
something similar to verse 10: "Notwithstanding ye have well done that ye
did communicate with my affliction." Verse 17 tells why Paul was rejoicing:
I desire fruit that may abound to your account." Could this be anything less
than the Judgment Seat of Christ where "our account" will be made known?

Nevertheless Paul expresses gratitude for the gifts sent through Epaphroditus
which he says are "well pleasing to God." Again, though Paul rejoices, the end
result is that it pleases God, and that is what really counts. May we learn from
Paul to rejoice in the growth of fellow members of the Body of Christ as
together we minister to each other's needs.

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