Scripture:'This one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 3.13-14)Reflection:St Paul, writing from prison, is so clear that the only thing that really matters is to follow his heart, to forget all the advantages he was born with, all the importance and status he earned, and all the hurts and pains he is now suffering. Having seen Jesus as the enemy and his crucifixion as the sign of his weakness, he has come to realise that actually it was his triumph. Nothing matters more to an Olympian than the gold medal; nothing in life, Paul has decided, matters more than aiming for perfection. It is his soul that will win his goal.David Harmsworth
Scripture:4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-13)Reflection:This ancient hymn about Jesus (probably from about 40 A.D.) explains very clearly who Jesus is (God, and equal with God the Father), what he did (laid his exalted status aside to come to Earth, being born as a human and not only that; he even laid down his life in a most cruel death – crucifixion was a terrible way to die!) and why; it was all for our sake. Therefore, says the hymn, God also highly exalted Jesus so that everyone should recognise him as Lord.The Apostle Paul, who wrote these words down, although the hymn was probably already well known, asks his readers to have this same attitude as Jesus showed. Not to put their own interest first, but to think first of others. This advice is as profound now as it was then. If we adopt this in each and every situation much will change. Revd Ylva
Scripture:For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. (Philippians 1:21&22) Reflection:He goes on, “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary.” Paul is unable to decide which is preferable: dying so he can live with Christ; or remaining alive so he can continue to share the message of Christ’s love for everyone?Two things come out of the dilemma that Paul has. Firstly, he absolutely knows that when he passes through that moment of “death”, he will continue to live with Christ. Secondly, he absolutely knows the importance of telling others what God has done for them in sending Jesus Christ.While Paul wrestles with his dilemma, think about how important it was to Paul that everyone should know just how much Christ loves them?....How much he loves you. (He sent his Son to die for you.) How are you going to live today knowing that incredible, wonderful news?Revd DavidRevd David
