Our scripture this morning is Philippians 1:20-21 (NIV).
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Paul may sound like he doesn’t care if he lives or dies, however it’s not out of depression or defeat, but from his confidence in Christ’s victory. Author Chris Tiegreen paraphrases Paul this way: “Whether we live or die isn’t the highest priority. The goal is to honor Jesus whether in life or death.”
Paul’s faith assures him that he is doing what Jesus called him to, and will continue, if that is Christ’s command, or join Him in eternity. He is happy to carry out the Great Commission, but he is ready to go home as well. This is the calm assurance we can have when we put our trust in Him.
Since Jesus conquered sin and death for us, we need not fear either. We are weak, but He is strong and when we accept Him as our savior, His strength stands with us in every situation we face. Paul knew this and shared it as a blessing we can all claim through our connection to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the gift of Your Son to save us from sin and death. Bless us to go in Your name to tell the Good News to everyone. Amen.
