Life after life

Today we will be considering a passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians. It's found in the first chapter verse 21: For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

An examination of the context tells us that the Apostle Paul was writing to the people of Philippi from prison (1:13). Although Paul is hopeful of being released, he does consider that this may lead to a death sentence (1:20). Either alternative has some measure of value for Paul as he states that in the verse we are considering and in subsequent ones (1:21-26). What is notable about the verse itself is the unusual phrasing Paul uses..."to live is Christ..." It is intriguing, is it not, to consider what that means? Well, we shall.

At this point, we now begin to reflect on this passage, savoring the words and phrases. We ask ourselves questions regarding both meaning and application of of these Spirit-inspired words. Have some dialogue with God and let Him instruct your heart. Take all the time you need, and be prepared to share some of what touched your heart and spoke to your life by posting in the comments section.



I must admit that "to live is Christ" was, at first, a confounding statement to me. What would it mean if someone said to live is Tom or to live is Emily? Would it mean to live like Tom or to live in honor of Emily? Maybe it's a mix of these. To live is Christ means I live in imitation of Him and in a way that honors his memory...? It seems there must be more than that. Another expression of Paul found in his letter to the Galatians says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God." Is this what Paul is getting at? Is this a call to live with both the awareness and the conditioning that allows for Christ to live through us? It seems pretty edgy to be so open to the transforming power Christ that it could be said of me: "Christ lives in him. He makes plans, makes choices, sets a course, while always considering, 'What would Christ have me to do right now, today, to advance His purposes?'" It staggers me to consider how much of God's grace and power would need to be applied to my heart and mind so that I could with truthfulness declare , "For me to live is Christ."
"and to die is gain." Much musing is done regarding life after death. It is marvelous to think about a reality that involves life after life. We move from an existence that has at its apex, living in Christ, to one that begins with being with Christ (1:23). This life after life will be so beyond anything we know, that the Bible has very few words describing it. But we know it is marked by joy and celebration, in relationship with one another, and the glory of God's presence.

O God, my Creator and Redeemer, by the obedience of Your Son, Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit, you have made me your servant/son. In the privilege of that high calling conform to the reality that for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Let me abandon sin like I would a dangerous house guest, and avoid it like one would avoid an virulent disease. Allow me instead to pursue Your heart and Your kingdom with passion and peace. I ask all of this in the name of Your Son, Jesus.

Distinctive People

PLEASE READ THE ENTRY FROM 4/1/09 TO UNDERSTAND HOW THIS BLOG WORKS.



Let's take a look today at John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.



Our verse is taken from a prayer that Jesus prayed on behalf of his disciples. This prayer comes at the end of their private Passover service that begins in John 13. The prayer itself makes up all of John 17.

Jesus is asking the Father to sanctify them. Sanctify means to set apart for a distinct purpose or an uncommon use. In religious contexts it means to make holy. But holiness is a set apart/uncommon state.

The means by which this sanctifying takes place is through what Jesus calls the truth. In John's Gospel alone Jesus says the truth makes people free, it demonstrates that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and that out of death comes new life. Jesus says that He is the Truth and refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth.

Then, in a very particular way. Jesus says that God's word is truth.

OK we have anchored this verse in its context. Now let's reverently consider the words and let the Holy Spirit lead us into a conversation with God about what He is saying to us in this regard. Again...Take your time.



This really speaks to the heart of a guy who loves to fit in (me). It was the earnest prayer of Jesus that as his follower I become different, set apart, distinctive. When I embrace the truth he reveals, the effect is to make evident that I have been changed in an extraordinary way. How powerful is God's truth! His truth alters life...life in the world...life in my world...life in me. I'm challenged to examine how open I am to change when, for whatever reason, I open God's word.

Lord Jesus, let the answer to your prayer in John 17:17, be found in me; that I may be one of those distinctive people who by the truth of your words and the truth in your Word there is genuine evidence that I am your servant. Amen.

What insights, direction, leading, etc. did you receive as you practiced Lectio Divina using this passage? Share with us in the "comments" section.

Jesus is Who???

Let's start using a brief text, half of a verse, 1Cor. 12:3b:
and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit.

The context of 1Cor.12 is not difficult to find. Paul the apostle wants to bring some order and understanding to the Corinthian people regarding the purpose and function of spiritual gifts. The pagan past of some of the believers in Corinth led them to idolatrous worship and verbal outbursts with apparently no regard for truth. But worship led by God's Holy Spirit does not denigrate Jesus, but is rather based on truths about Him.
Next, let's consider the statement itself and the words that comprise it. (Take your time).

I find myself marvelling at what the Holy Spirit has done for me. If I have any authentic understanding of who Jesus is, it is illumination given, not acquired. I was part of that vast number of no ones until God, by His Spirit led me to Jesus' true identity. Also, I find myself drawn to the word except. Expressions like except, if not, had not, however are always showing up in Scripture between a condition that does me no good and my God who loves me and leads me. I am exceptional, not in a boastful way, but rather as a result of God's grace toward me.
I'm aware that much is implied in the expression Jesus is Lord, but I'm content to leave that for another time.

Marvelling has moved to prayerful worship and thanksgiving for God's grace at the basics. I can say Jesus is Lord!!! The Holy Spirit makes that possible. He has revealed the Christ to me and the reality that he is Lord makes clear my role as servant and follower. I will look to many other parts of who I am and consider that they wouldn't exist and be the blessings they are except by the Holy Spirit

What is this about?

Do you hear God speak? Christians study the scriptures, read from them, share them with others and, as best as we can, live according to what they teach. But how often can we say with any degree of authenticity that we've heard the voice of God in the Word of God? Studying God's Word, sharing it, and applying it all require some form of personal discipline. Lectio Divina is a practice employed by many Christ honoring people that requires a form of discipline so that we might hear God speaking through the scriptures.
Lectio Divina (sacred reading Lat.) involves the selection of a small section of scripture (usually a verse or less) and then taking it in its context, reverently considering each word, and prayerfully listening for the Holy Spirit to put that passage to work in us. That work may be for our encouragement, our correction, to evoke in us awe, to provoke us to action or a variety of other responses. The practice of Lectio Divina is not about seeking novel or strange and obscure interpretations of God's Word. This is why it is crucial to anchor to its context whatever passage is before us. We are not seeking to be creative, but rather relational. We are asking God to visit with us and spend time with us in His Word.
In each of my posts initially I will select a portion of God's Word and then relate to you how I have employed the practice of Lectio Divina. It is my earnest hope that you will do the same and share with all of us in the comments section your experience in hearing from God in that same scripture passage. The result? An online community of humble hearers and doers of God's Word.
Interested? Then check back here soon and we'll begin.