In Sunday’s Lectionary, the reading from 2 Corinthians features Paul going on in his sometimes tortuous way about his own experiences of weakness and strength. It comes to an end like this…
“Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,
but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” (12:8-10)
The fourth of July sees the birthday of the most powerful nation the world has ever seen. And maybe humility is something the powerful need to learn – for people (and nations) who are oppressed or in positions of weakness already know well enough how dependent they are. Remember it was Jimmy Carter who took as his motto Micah 6:8…
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?”
Just a reminder of how much we owe to those prepared to endure “insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities”…
… for the sake of others in this case, rather than Christ – we owe them a debt nevertheless.
Please pray on Sunday for the United States of America.