Scripture
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Reflection
Social media and technology specially in Covid times have given us a chance to remain connected to others even when we are limited by social distancing. The paradox we have to deal with is the false sense of intimacy it can create. We accept a contact card on wechat, exchange a few texts, scroll through someone’s wechat moments and falsely believe that we “know” someone.
When Paul talks about knowing Christ, it’s not superficial, or even just intellectual. This can only be found in a personal and experiential communion with all of Jesus. Jesus’ resurrection power empowers our spiritual life as believers, a spiritual resurrection from the death of sin to a life of righteousness with God. Jesus’ sufferings were not caused by the consequences of a sinful life, but it happened to the One who didn’t deserve it. Jesus suffered from doing what was right in God’s eyes.
A big step into dealing with the giant of comfort is to recognize the Lordship of Christ in our lives. Are you willing to suffer from doing what is right in God’s eyes?
To know Christ is not a “one shot” kind of thing. Like Paul, we should “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of” us. We make choices along the way to continually make Him Lord of our lives.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit. You can pray, “Come Holy Spirit”. Meditate on the Word of God from Psalm 27:1, The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
