Reflection

The ‘good work’ that Paul is referring to in this verse is the salvation process for the church in Philippi – to whom this epistle is addressed to. In all likelihood, when Paul wrote this letter he was imprisoned. He’s writing to encourage the believers in the church to keep persevering in their faith and to not lose hope because the transformational change they witness in their own lives, isn’t something Paul did, but it’s something God began (v.5) and will continue to carry out until the day of Jesus’ return. Paul’s confidence isn’t in his ability or skill to preach, teach or model the truth about Jesus, but in God’s character, faithfulness and promises.

So when things seem difficult, hard and with no end in sight, and you wonder or doubt if Christianity is worth fighting the fight, remember, the ability doesn’t rest in your strength, but in God’s strength, faithfulness and promises. That’s where your confidence lies and it’s from that place that you can receive hope and see it come to completion on the day Jesus returns.

Thoughts for the day

Reflection

The phrase apple of your eye is better rendered as ‘the pupil of your eye’. Referring to something precious, easily injured or demanding protection. In this case, David wanted to be kept by God as he faced opposition, persecution and became fragile. This phrase is also used in Deuteronomy 32:10 where God protected Israel in the wilderness.

The psalmist also uses another powerful figure of speech (see v. 8b) as a plea for God to protect him. This idea is of how a mother bird shields her young chicks from predators, from the elements, and dangers by gathering them under her wings.

When taken together, these two phrases are powerful pictures of God’s care for His people. And may this be an encouragement to you, regardless of where you find yourself, remember you are valuable to God and He will protect you. Call upon the name of the Lord, and you will be saved.

Thoughts for the day

Reflection

Today’s verse is in connection with prayer as both words ‘seek’ and ‘knock’ are metaphors for prayer and the word ‘knocking’ is also associated with the Rabbinic sayings as a metaphor for prayer. Jesus is expounding his statement as seen in verse 7 by combining verse 7 with verses 9-11. The reason for this confidence in an answered prayer (see verse 8) is explained by a consideration of fatherhood. A human father will not meet his son’s request for food with useless or even harmful substitutes. Yet human fathers are evil – referring to humankind’s sinful state (v.11), but they still in their sinful state knows what good gifts are. Jesus is contrasting this image of fatherhood with that of a divine and holy Father. How much more will God knows what good gifts to give us. But take caution, to not be in a relationship with God for the good gifts. God already gave us the ultimate gift (in the person of Jesus).

So next time when you do pray for something, keep verse 7 in mind that’s linked with the assurances as seen in verse 8, but never love the good gifts more than the Giver himself or forget the ultimate gift you’ve already received, namely Jesus Christ.

Thoughts for the day

Reflection

The sad irony behind Jesus’ reply in today’s verse is the fact that Jesus just performed a significant miracle (Luke 11:29-32), and yet the religious leaders asked Jesus for a miraculous sign (Matt. 12:38) indicating they rejected the many signs given so far by Jesus. And for Jesus to answer them as seen in verse 40, Jesus is declaring the religious leaders already rejected him. Because for Jesus to fulfil this sign (to be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth), He would have to be rejected, die, and be buried. And by the time this sign would be accomplished, it would be too late for the religious leaders to accept His right to rule over the nation as King. By comparing it to Jonah, Jesus was also contrasting the difference that 1) a pagan city (Nineveh) believed when 2) a prophet told them the truth and now 1) the religious leaders refuse to believe even though 2) Jesus the Messiah himself tells them the truth.

We today have this miraculous sign of the cross and everything it embodies. Let this sign of ultimate love continues to propel you to believe in the truth and the person of Jesus Christ and don’t allow the devil to sow doubt in your mind.

Thoughts for the day

Reflection

Today’s verse is one of three calls from God to Joshua to be strong and courageous (Vv. 6–7, 9 and 18.) The only difference with this third call was that it was based on God’s presence. The former two calls to be strong and courageous were based on God’s promise and God’s power. We also read in Deuteronomy 1:21; 31:18 and Joshua 8:1 how God encourages Joshua to not be afraid or to be discouraged. The reason why God encouraged Joshua three times with these words/themes was that Joshua was about to lead the nation of Israel into the Promise Land – the very same Promised Land that was promised to Abraham in Genesis (more than 400 years ago). Talk about being under pressure.

Joshua probably had times when he felt weak, inadequate, and frightened. Perhaps he considered resigning before the Conquest even began. But God knew all about his feelings of personal weakness and fear and hence telling Joshua three times, to be strong and courageous. These calls with their accompanying assurances (God’s promise, God’s power, and God’s presence) were sufficient to last a lifetime. And these same assurances are available to us today too and will last a lifetime. No matter what you’re facing right now. Remember God’s promises, His power, and his presence is with you in the form of the Holy Spirit. Take heart and be courageous.

Thoughts for the day

Reflection

The apostle Paul had just talked about Jesus’ obedience on the cross in verse 8:

“And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!”

The Philippians are commended by Paul for their obedience, when he was with them and when he wasn’t with them anymore. We might have all encountered instances where one would obey a command or law when an authority figure (policeman, a traffic guard, a parent…) was around, but was quick to disobey when there was no one there to hold you accountable (mask or no mask, jaywalking, red light/green light, don’t eat that cookie, you name it!).

Paul’s encouragement is for people to continue to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, not to earn it by what they do, because Jesus’ work of atonement was fully done on the cross, but for each one to be actively willing to be transformed to the likeness of Jesus and aware of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It is from the cross that the work of sanctification is carried out, by the help of the Holy Spirit!

“Am I prepared to let God grip me by His power and do a work in me that is worthy of Himself? Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me; sanctification is God’s idea of what He wants to do for me, and He has to get me into the attitude of mind and spirit where at any cost I will let Him sanctify me wholly.” – Oswald Chambers

Thoughts for the day