In the first verses of 2 Corinthians, chapter 12, the Apostle Paul refers to “a man in Christ” being caught up to the “third heaven” and writes of not knowing whether this man was “in the body or out of the body”. He identifies the third heaven as “paradise” and then reveals that the man heard words that were either beyond his ability to express or unlawful for him to repeat.
Why does the apostle cloak this man in anonymity by referring to him in what in grammar is referred to as The Third Person? The apostle has no wish to be exalted by others because of his “out of this world” experience. After diverting attention from himself, Paul then begins to refer to himself in The First Person. He can do so as a humble servant of the Lord on Planet Earth.
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” Since this is the second time in the same verse that Paul writes of being “exalted above measure” we may conclude that the man who had been caught up into paradise was none other than Paul himself.
Three times Paul asks that the “thorn” might leave him, but Jesus replies: “My grace is sufficient for you.” We gather from the apostle’s letters that this “thorn in the flesh’, this “messenger of Satan” sent to knock him about, was an evil spirit working through those who hated and persecuted him wherever he went.
“My grace [undeserved kindness] is sufficient for you” is a wonderful promise, revealing as it does that we do not need to be caught up to the “third heaven” into “Paradise” because the Lord’s strength is perfected in our weakness and his grace is sufficient for us down here on Planet Earth.
Paul makes the amazing statement that he would rather glory in his weaknesses so that the power of Christ would rest upon him – enclose him as a kind of spiritual tent. (In the Old Testament the tabernacle was known as the Tent of the Presence.)
The weaknesses, reproaches, necessities, persecutions and distresses suffered by Paul all result from the “thorn” in his flesh. The things he suffers result in him living under a canopy of Christ’s glory. He has no need to be caught up to the paradise of God again because on earth he lives in the paradise of God’s presence!
Physical weaknesses do not disqualify us from ministry but rather qualify us for ministry. Moses stuttered but God called him anyway. Peter was impetuous and rash but Jesus placed him in a leadership position. Timothy was frail and some disregarded him because of his youth, but God called him and blessed him regardless. James and John were hotheads, but Jesus included them with Peter in his inner circle of disciples, where they saw and experienced things that others did not.
I have consciously ‘pulled down’ the tent of the Lord’s presence upon myself at home and in various countries around the world. I have done so by confessing my inability and by confessing the Lord’s ability in and through me! I have placed my hands on my shoulders just before speaking, and affirmed to myself: “I am an anointed man of God, and the Lord’s power cloaks and envelopes me, and His presence in and through me will destroy every demonic power that rises against me in this meeting!”
Like the freshly anointed King Saul, I have then been “turned into another man” – one who knows no impediment of speech, one who has no fear of man or demon, one who in Jesus Christ is invincible — one whose purpose is to see that the Lord Jesus is glorified, no matter what! (After preaching, I have become my very ordinary self yet again.)
I have consciously drawn down the tent of the presence of the power of Christ upon me while driving through the misty hills and valleys of North Wales; while being driven along bumpy roads in the provinces of the Philippines; and while high on the slopes of Mt Kinabalu, on the Island of Borneo. After purposefully drawing down the “tent of the presence” over me by faith, I have become more energized than an athlete on a hi-active sports drink. Did you know that “hyper” comes from “huper” — a NT Greek word? “More than conquerors” means hyper-conquerors!
I urge you to spend more time in the paradise of Christ’s presence, because doing so will empower you to do things you would never think possible – bold, daring things that will result in miracle after miracle!
Yes, I have had some memorable spiritual experiences, and would like very much to be caught up to the “third heaven” and hear things that were too awesome to repeat – and one day be “caught up” to meet the Lord in the clouds. Until then, I’ll be content to see and hear awesome things while dwelling in the tent of the paradise of the Lord’s presence down here under the first heaven!
Glory to God in the Highest! And more of His power upon me in the lowest.