Word@Work Phil21 - Philippians 2:19
Published: Thu, 10/22/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
RELATIONAL ENCOURAGEMENT
Phil. 2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. (NIV)
One of the great blessings of knowing Jesus Christ is that we are never alone. Even though we may be posted away from home without like-minded company or Christian fellowship, the Lord is with us. But it was never His plan for us to be permanently isolated. When we come to Jesus, we come into His family: we have brothers and sisters, role models and those who take their example from us. The church is not a building but a vast international company of people who honour Jesus and love each other. And almost wherever you go, you will find family in Christ.
So it was natural for Paul to want news of the church in Philippi. They were his family. In those days, without email, phone or even a postal service, most written messages were couriered. Better still, the courier went as a representative; and that was to be Timothy's role, while Paul was detained under house arrest. Some have suggested that Paul's faith was weak in needing reassurance as to how the Philippian church was doing. No: what good parent is not concerned about their children? And we are in the wrong when our 'faith' in God's care of other people becomes so professional that we cease to care deeply.
But Paul did not flap and panic, sleeplessly anxious until he received news. He had put the matter into God's hands. It seems that he had prayed for the opportunity to send Timothy, but, as yet, the time was not quite right. Paul hoped that the way might be open soon, but he was content for the final decision to be the Lord's. How wise we would be to follow Paul's example: trusting yet concerned, caring but waiting, praying but not panicking. We too should prize the presence of God above all else, but never abandon our commitment to others. Preserving these balances is an essential part of healthy Christian living; but it may need a bit of practice to change the old patterns of behaviour. Ask the Lord to help you.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for the great joy of knowing You through the salvation of Jesus Christ. Please help me always to enjoy my fellowship with You, but not to ignore my spiritual family. Help me to choose to invest in relating with my brothers and sisters in Christ as a priority, caring for them and serving them wherever possible; and trusting You to open doors of relationship in Your will and time. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
One of the great blessings of knowing Jesus Christ is that we are never alone. Even though we may be posted away from home without like-minded company or Christian fellowship, the Lord is with us. But it was never His plan for us to be permanently isolated. When we come to Jesus, we come into His family: we have brothers and sisters, role models and those who take their example from us. The church is not a building but a vast international company of people who honour Jesus and love each other. And almost wherever you go, you will find family in Christ.
So it was natural for Paul to want news of the church in Philippi. They were his family. In those days, without email, phone or even a postal service, most written messages were couriered. Better still, the courier went as a representative; and that was to be Timothy's role, while Paul was detained under house arrest. Some have suggested that Paul's faith was weak in needing reassurance as to how the Philippian church was doing. No: what good parent is not concerned about their children? And we are in the wrong when our 'faith' in God's care of other people becomes so professional that we cease to care deeply.
But Paul did not flap and panic, sleeplessly anxious until he received news. He had put the matter into God's hands. It seems that he had prayed for the opportunity to send Timothy, but, as yet, the time was not quite right. Paul hoped that the way might be open soon, but he was content for the final decision to be the Lord's. How wise we would be to follow Paul's example: trusting yet concerned, caring but waiting, praying but not panicking. We too should prize the presence of God above all else, but never abandon our commitment to others. Preserving these balances is an essential part of healthy Christian living; but it may need a bit of practice to change the old patterns of behaviour. Ask the Lord to help you.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for the great joy of knowing You through the salvation of Jesus Christ. Please help me always to enjoy my fellowship with You, but not to ignore my spiritual family. Help me to choose to invest in relating with my brothers and sisters in Christ as a priority, caring for them and serving them wherever possible; and trusting You to open doors of relationship in Your will and time. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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