As we come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, I am also nearing the end of my time here at Rochester. In some ways I can relate to how Paul must have felt as he penned these words. No, I am not in my 60’s. I am also not under house-arrest. However, I am nearing the end of over seven years of ministry here at Rochester.
Here are the words Paul wrote nearly 2,000 years ago…
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
During my time here, I have found strength in God and strength in my relationships with many of you. You have given me as much or more than I feel I have ever given you. Your passion and energy have encouraged me. Your love and support have held me up. Your service and compassion have given me hope. You have been such a blessing to me and my family in ways you will never know. For that, I say thank you!
I will end with the same words that Paul penned to his friends in Philippi many years ago… The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Christ's peace
Peace. It is a word with a variety of meanings.
A state of tranquillity or quiet: as freedom from civil disturbance or a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.
Harmony in personal relations.
A state or period of mutual concord between governments.
A pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity.
Used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell.
Now, while not all of these definitions fit what Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7, I do believe that the peace of God connects with each of them. Here is what Paul writes…
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
You might think, hey, that sounds great, but I really don’t think it’s that easy.
I would agree with you. Finding the kind of peace Paul describes is not found by just saying a few words. It requires work. It requires us to develop a relationship.
The kind of peace Paul is talking about provides freedom and harmony. It is something that is grown, not magically produced. It continues to develop in our lives as we strive to build a relationship with God and allow ourselves to be transformed.
It is in the next two verses that Paul tells us the kind of work needed to find this peace…
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
In our world of fast food and lighting speed Internet, I think we have become convinced that we can have anything we want as quick as possible. While that may be true with a burger or a song from iTunes, that’s not true when it comes to relationships and peace. They take work…and time. They require us to invest time and energy in God and other people. Peace is certainly achievable, but not without dedication and focus. There is a peace that surpasses understanding, but it can only be found when we pursue it, and the One who offers it.
shine!
Jason
A state of tranquillity or quiet: as freedom from civil disturbance or a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.
Harmony in personal relations.
A state or period of mutual concord between governments.
A pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity.
Used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell.
Now, while not all of these definitions fit what Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7, I do believe that the peace of God connects with each of them. Here is what Paul writes…
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
You might think, hey, that sounds great, but I really don’t think it’s that easy.
I would agree with you. Finding the kind of peace Paul describes is not found by just saying a few words. It requires work. It requires us to develop a relationship.
The kind of peace Paul is talking about provides freedom and harmony. It is something that is grown, not magically produced. It continues to develop in our lives as we strive to build a relationship with God and allow ourselves to be transformed.
It is in the next two verses that Paul tells us the kind of work needed to find this peace…
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
In our world of fast food and lighting speed Internet, I think we have become convinced that we can have anything we want as quick as possible. While that may be true with a burger or a song from iTunes, that’s not true when it comes to relationships and peace. They take work…and time. They require us to invest time and energy in God and other people. Peace is certainly achievable, but not without dedication and focus. There is a peace that surpasses understanding, but it can only be found when we pursue it, and the One who offers it.
shine!
Jason
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