Commendation and Validation

Preparing for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Two Days before Sunday (Year A)

Scripture (semicontinuous)

Psalter: Psalm 124

Old Testament: Genesis 49:29—50:14

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 10:12-18

Scripture (complementary)

Psalter: Psalm 138

Old Testament: Ezekiel 31:15-18

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 10:12-18

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Prayer

Redeeming Sustainer, visit your people and pour out your strength and courage upon us, that we may hurry to make you welcome not only in our concern for others, but by serving them generously and faithfully in your name. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)

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Reflection

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. We, however, will not boast beyond limits but will keep within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you. For we were not overstepping our limits when we reached you; we were the first to come all the way to you with the good news of Christ. We do not boast beyond limits, that is, in the labors of others, but our hope is that, as your faith increases, our field among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in someone else’s field. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved but those whom the Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10:12-18).

In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he addresses some of the issues surrounding the false apostles or teachers who were trying to undermine his authority and work in the church there.

Paul states that it’s unwise to compare oneself with others or to boast about one’s achievements based on such comparisons. The false apostles were boasting about their own credentials and belittling Paul’s apostolic authority. The Apostle makes it clear that he will only boast within the limits God has set for him. He has a specific area of influence and mission given to him by God. Anyone who boasts should boast in the Lord and not in their own achievements or abilities. True validation comes from God, not from human comparisons.

Paul concludes that self-commendation is not the true test of authenticity. Rather, it is the Lord’s commendation that validates one’s ministry or service.

PRAYER: O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

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