Philippians

Again I Say Rejoice

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Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice Philippians 4:4 

While Paul was writing from a Roman prison with guards chained to him on either side, my life’s problems pale in comparison. Yet Paul’s kind of rejoicing is a hard lesson for me to learn. Yes, things are not all that bad. We have moved into our comfortable small home in Florida but those we love especially the grandchildren we kissed good-bye just last week seem like a universe away. As we unpack and make phone calls to change our address with a thousand people we feel lost, lonely and joy, real load lifting and soul refreshing joy is something we long for.

But Jesus told us He was leaving us His joy – not a joy to be found anywhere on planet earth.

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

His joy kept Jesus through the wavering loyalties, betrayals and treacheries that pressed Him towards a harsh Roman cross. His joy caused Him to wash dirty feet and skip lunch in the sweltering heat by a well to meet a woman who was thirsty for a water only He could give. The joy of Jesus Christ rises up and says, “Enough!” to waves and wind. His joy sees the way along shadowy valley paths and lights a candle of hope waiting for us at the end of the day. Maybe that is why Paul tells us, “Rejoice!” then in face of the improbable backdrop of His life and our’s He tells us again, “Rejoice!” The world may not get it. Our weary bodies may not feel like it and The devil can not understand it. But we who are God’s children are given the priceless gift of His joy. We only have to remember and believe His joy is especially deep and true when it comes in a morning light that wipes away the tears of our darkest night!

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The Best Question

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Are you afraid to ask God for answers? Do you feel like church is the last place you would feel comfortable asking questions? But in the Bible people asked questions all the time. How many times should I forgive? Who is my neighbor? How can I inherit eternal life? These were questions that Jesus answered with stories like the prodigal son and the good Samaritan. In fact the best answers in the Bible are given to the people who ask the best questions..

When Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into jail in Philippi one afternoon things looked pretty bleak. After weeks of preaching they had gathered only a handful of followers. But God had a wonderful miracle in store for that small city. At midnight as Paul and Silas praised and worshipped God sent an earthquake whose aftershocks are still being felt today. The first church in the Western world was about the have revival and it all began with the spark of the astonished jailers question. “What must I do to be saved?”

Maybe we are seeing litte growth in our ministries because we make our answers so complicated. But Paul didn’t waste any time with lists of secondary things. He pulled back on the bowstring of his opportunity and shot one arrow dead into the bullseye of our greatest need today. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!” If we are not being asked this question in one form or another then maybe our problem is that we are giving out the wrong answers. The world is no darker, no more lost or violent today than in the Paul’s day. If we determine as Paul did to pray for freedom of the oppressed, be willing to joyfully deal with the consequences and be ready with the right answer then God will begin to shake things up! Salvation is still as freely available right now and right here. If we are ready with Paul’s answer then prepare ready for someone to come with their question. “What must I do to be saved?”

Letting Go – Taking Hold

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.. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13

As our grandson wrestled with learning to paddle board last summer we were all treated to a comedy of errors. One moment he was up smiling triumphantly, the next tumbling off to the peals of laughter from his cousin and his older brother. But no matter how funny he looked to us AJ showed that he was serious about mastering the challenge. He was willing to temporarily let go of his pride in order to show everyone that he could be a winner.

Are you and I half as dedicated to the goals God has put in front of us? The apostle Paul was in many ways just like our grandson A.J. . He refused to let the past hold him back. No nostalgic memory was worth clinging on to if it meant missing out on what lay ahead. Also, just like our grandson, the opinions of others held little value compared to what God had in store. Finally, just like A.J.- Paul learned that victory was sure as long as he kept things in balance in life. Paul reached his goal at the moment when he took hold of the prize and stood straight and strong in the presence of Jesus Christ!