Pressing On

Since May, I have been involved in a somewhat unique Bible study. As is typical, we started out with 5, went up to 7, and are now down to 2. The two of us that are left are the ones who had the idea for the study in the first place. We are studying Philippians. Not too unusual. We are translating it from the Greek. I have taken many classes in New Testament Greek and she has her degree in Classical Greek. It has been quite an experience. We have enjoyed this so much that we are planning to move on to the gospel of Mark as soon as we finish Philippians, and we're just starting chapter 4.

As I was studying this week, I got to Philippians 3:13 and I found myself in tears as Paul's very personal words to his friends touched my heart profoundly. His language is so emphatic and intense. He tells them that he completely forgets what is behind and with his whole being strains intently forward. The commentators that we've been using as resource were having field days picking away at the minutia of the verses in this section and all I could hear was the intensity of Paul's heart.

In the beginning of chapter 3, it seems to me that Paul is describing his own kenosis directly on the heels of his holding up the pattern which Jesus laid out for us (see Phil. 2:6-11) and this follows his pleading for them to be of one mind, the mind of Christ. Paul states with clear conviction the reasons he would have for grasping at glory. In Jewish terms and experience, he really was all that and a bag of chips. But for Paul, it was all worthless crap when compared to the treasure of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.

Now there is some question, according to biblical scholars, as to whether Paul is saying that he's forgetting his impressive pedigree, or forgetting his murderous attack upon the early church. I'm of the mind that it could be both. Knowing Christ fully for Paul seems to involve letting go of his arrogant pride and his shame-filled guilt. To hang onto either would seriously limit his ability to move more fully into relationship with his Lord. Were he to maintain his hold upon his socially and spiritually enviable position, he would find little room or need for a savior. On the other hand, wallowing in his shame and guilt would result in his failure to trust in the one was and is able to see beyond that. These forces for Paul were exceedingly strong and needed to be met head on with an attitude and fortitude that could only be described as he does so intensely, "straining, reaching, moving toward."

Reading this passage again this week, and examining the words that Paul used to convey his message, I was struck by the contrast of my own intentions and effort toward knowing my Lord and Savior. Like many, I have lots of "want to", but am very weak on the follow through. God drove this point home further with me this morning with my pastor's message. I began writing this piece early this morning before church, so I was already thinking deeply on my need to bring my follow through up to the level of my heart's desire. Pastor Tom's message dealt with the passage in Malachai where God is chastising the people for their blemished offerings. Very clearly Pastor spoke God's truth to my heart: God doesn't want my leftovers.

My leftovers, scraps of time offered to Him here and there just aren't enough, and surely aren't good enough. So with energized intention I'm beginning a renewed phase in my walk. Not only will I live up to what I know (also a part of Paul's message to the Phillippians), but I will be seeking and living into new ways to walk more fully in grace and knowledge.

Everything I Need

I have everything I need. If I don't have it, I must not need it. Can I trust God that much? Can you?

Pinterest

So this morning I began exploring this new social connection site, Pinterest. As I started considering areas of interest, I began contemplating sacred and special places. What makes a place sacred? I'm thinking that a place becomes sacred, any place, when my spirit recognizes the presence of His spirit. It seems so simple...yet strikes me quite profoundly.