A Beloved People
PHILIPPIANS 1:1-26
(September 29)
Have you ever received a love letter? Or a letter from someone who obviously adored you and wanted you to know it? It is always so encouraging to read kind words from someone else, and to know how important you are to them.
I have to think that the beginning of this letter from Paul offered much encouragement to the believers of Philippi. He is full of praise for them and thankful that they are a part of his life.
When you read these words that so eloquently describe this group of devoted believers, you might get the sense that Paul is writing this sitting under a shady tree or with his toes dipped in the lake. But this is not the case.
Paul is actually writing to them from a Roman prison. He had been visiting Jerusalem and some Jews had him arrested for preaching the gospel. When he requested that he stand before Caesar as his judge, the soldiers took him to Rome, and he was placed under house arrest until his trial. Preaching the Good News wasn't considered a serious offense at the time, and his arrest offered him the freedom to have visitors, preach, and write letters.
Paul used this opportunity to preach to the elite guards that lived at the king's palace. They understood his love and devotion to Christ. As he waited for his trial, he had no idea what would happen ... release or execution. He mentions that he actually prefers death so that he can go be with Jesus, but he knows he has important work still left to do in spreading the gospel even further. His goal is to speak boldly and unashamedly for Christ as long as he is on the earth.
It is also his hope that he can continue to have a relationship with the Philippians and experience the joy in the faith of these beloved brothers and sisters face-to-face again.
Their joy was evident. Their faith was visible. There was no question of how they felt about the Good News, despite a few shady teachers who might try to persuade them to follow their teachings. They stood firm in their beliefs.
I wonder if God looks down and sees any Philippian-type believers today. Are we standing firm against the lies and falsities of the world? Or are we being sucked right in by the things that look enticing and fulfilling?
Let us put our focus on Jesus, not this world that is filled with darkness and evil. Let us look to those who stand firm in their faith and choose them to walk beside. Let us continue to share the Good News that Paul devoted his life to and spread that joy to others who see us walking in our faith.