Two places at once

Poor apostle Paul! He spent much time wishing he could be in two places at once.

In a famous passage (Philippians 1:21-24) he exclaims to his readers: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."

On the other hand, he had the frustration of being often hindered from seeing the very churches that were keeping him earthbound. Of course, transport in those days wasn't what it is now, and the mobile phone with its instant communications was unheard of. So Paul would announce plans to visit the churches - each journey a major and lengthy undertaking - and then for various reasons have to postpone them.

This gave his enemies ample time to do mischief and spread suspicion among the churches. In 2 Corinthians 1 it is painful to read Paul having to defend himself against a charge of saying "Yes" to a visit while at the same time muttering "No"! To his credit, even in the midst of protesting his innocence, he puts in a word for the Lord Jesus. Jesus, whom Paul preached, was God's "Yes" to all the promises He ever made. He is completely consistent and we are the gainers. "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

In a small way I feel the same tensions as Paul as I face surgery. In one way I sit lightly to life. I look forward to being in my Saviour's nearer presence. On the other hand, there is a work still to be done, a church to be nurtured and shepherded. There again, I shall be unable for a while to give the leadership I would wish. What might unravel as a result? I trust nothing will, but there is always that anxiety.

Bless God, Paul very likely saw the Corinthians again and any ground lost was made up. Where relationships are concerned, God has His ways of spanning hours of time and miles of distance.