Philippians 2:16-18
...But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Paul talked about the two sources of his joy in this passage. First, his joy is from serving
God. Paul used his whole life to run for God with all that He's got. He feverishly served among the churches not for fame or money, but for the kingdom of God. What he valued was not the abundance of this life, but what God think of him when he stands before God one day. When he sees the result of his hard labor - the growth in faith of the believers - his heart was joyful, because he knew that God is pleased with his work. Paul rejoiced with God, for he could offer his life to do whatever pleases God. That's why he said "even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." He would sacrifice his own satisfaction, or even his own life, in order to satisfy God's heart.
The second source of joy is the joy from serving brothers and sisters. Paul said that "I am glad and rejoice with all of you." He didn't consider the brothers and sisters just a part of his ministry, or just some numbers on a report. He loved them and cared for their needs. He worried about them, so he made tremendous effort to teach them. He also rejoiced with them when he saw them grew in the spirit. Even when they excel pass him, Paul would not be jealous, but rather rejoice for them and with them!
Only those who love God would rejoice when God rejoices; only those who love brothers and sisters would rejoice when brothers and sisters rejoice. Are you eager to have such true and long-lasting joy? If your heart has grown cold before God and the brothers and sisters, let love of the Lord stir up your heart again!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord Jesus, may you once again revive the fire of love inside me, which is the fire that once loved you and the brothers and sisters feverishly. Let me truly experience the joy that you promised, the glorious joy that is indescribable. May you come and fill me now! I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.