Thoughts for another day

Aug. 9, 2013.

Today's verse: Philip 3:10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further.  Thanks)

In our Scripture today, there’re three thoughts Paul acquaints us with.  We take the middle one first; that of fellowshipping with Christ in suffering.  If you look around and see what’s happening with the Christian faith today, it’s not primarily that Christ came and died so we may be saved, but more, the material benefits, etc. and then, by the way, salvation for our souls.  Most preaching is about material benefits, comfort and luxury.  A simple question we need to ask is, did Christ die that we never suffer from sickness or that we have fat bank balances, etc.  Rather, Jesus said, ‘If you wish to be My disciple, take up your Cross and follow Me.’  In doing this, we have meaningful fellowship with His sufferings and are converted from our frightened selves to being bold in the face of opposition to deliver His Gospel, no matter who opposes us.

The next thought is being conformed to His death.  In baptism we die with Him in our sins and rise as clean souls and that’s the beginning of being conformed to His death.  Later, as we seriously follow His commands, we’ll have many other situations, where we’ll be conformed to His death.  Living a Christian life means dying to self each day and it is so that we may live with Him; and believe me, this dying a little, isn’t easy, if you know what I mean and if you have been walking on that path.  It means ‘I must decrease and He must increase’ at the cost of humiliation, threats, accusations, etc.  But still we have to trudge on so that Christ is really seen to live in us and only His Grace enables us to live in His way.

The final thought is to know the power of His resurrection.  It’s the power to be able to endure all for being raised glorious in time to come.  It’s a power that frees us totally, not only by the knowledge that they who kill only the body have no power over our souls and having surrendered our souls into the hands of the One we worship, He will in due course raise us up.  This also applies to the many falls we have while living the Pilgrim way.  In all lives trials and tribulation when we do what He has asked us to, bear in mind that He is with you, near you and for you.  Even if you’re momentarily in pitch darkness with not a glimmer of light, don’t forget He is there and after a brief period, He will intervene and release you.  Then will you give Him glory and bear great testimony to His Gospel and His Name.