ah... thanks =)
i want to take it a little further though, because the entire
chapter was about the rights of an apostle.
1 corinthians 9
paul was clearly defending his rights as an apostle, because
paul was actually addressing to the corinthian church who seemed to
have condemned him, and didn't want to support him financially.
he asserted his status as an apostle to the church, declaring
again, how he has seen Jesus, and his works among them - as
proof of his love and dedication to
them.
then he asserted his rights to food and drinks at the expense of
the church, and a wife, but yet, he and barnabas didn't want to use
this right - instead chose to work for their daily expenses. so
that he will have his reward: (this is the confusing part, because
it's tied to him depriving himself of his rights of an apostle),
and the reward is that he can preach the gospel free of charge and
not make use of his rights in preaching it (the rights refer to
living off the church)
so in the light of the entire passage. paul doesn't seem to be
talking about how fulfilling his life is now that he has found his
purpose.
that's why i'm confused.
what is his reward? if he preaches it freely, he gets his
reward, and his reward is to preach it freely.
and how does this passage show that paul was talking about
feeling fulfilled spiritually because he found his calling. since
he's more or less defending himself
I don't see how Paul is not having a fulfilling life just
because of problems with the Corintin Church. Despite his problems,
he is able to continue preaching the Gospel because he knew his
vocation and purpose. Not just to the corinthians but others as
well (including us today by reading his letters). So can I say Paul
is able to continue to serve the Lord for free (not because it was
a job that pay him well etc) because he knew his vocation and
purpose?
Do you think he lead a fruitful life as an apostle of Jesus? I
would certainly think so....
Just like in our world today, we are facing problems with the
financial crisis and life's pressure....Paul have his fair share of
problems too and so do Job. The difference in how they cope is
explained in my earlier posts (I hoped I did).
The readings also aims to inspire us in this difficult time. Do
we know what God's will for us? Can we live our life doing God's
will? For Jesus and Paul, they are servants to God. They are here
to serve.......are we ready to serve or expect to be served?
Maybe, we should reflect and take a step back....do we need that
big house, that big car or that branded toys etc....? Is that our
purpose in life?
Oh, one more thing, do not forget Peter's mother in law.....once
she is healed by Jesus, she immediately started to wait on the
others.....no MC. That's also telling us to love our neighbour as
Jesus has loved us - to serve each other.