How Far?

Writing to the church at Philippi, Paul encouraged these Christians to focus on the great joy and thanksgiving associated with their relationship to Christ. Such would be the result of their unity and other-centeredness as well as their continued daily walk with Christ. As Paul exhorted them to share the attitude of Christ ( Philippians 2:5), among the characteristics exemplified by Him was the great servant attitude Jesus portrayed in surrendering completely to the Father’s Will.

Among the points made by Paul was…
“HE humbled himself by becoming OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, EVEN DEATH ON A CROSS.” ( Philippians 2:8 ESV)

How far will OUR OBEDIENCE to the submission of God’s Will take us? Jesus was obedient to the point of death. Though He prayed that what He was about to endure might pass, Jesus was still willing to submit to the Will of the Father ( Matthew 26:39), even “to the point of death.” However, Paul pointed out that the death Jesus endured was “even death on a cross.” To just face death and remain obedient to God is one thing, but to face death of an excruciating nature and remain obedient is another. This is what Jesus was willing to do for us. How far will OUR OBEDIENCE take us with regard to Him?

When Jesus warned of the persecution to come, He exhorted…
“(21) Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, (22) and you will be hated by all FOR MY NAME’S SAKE. BUT THE ONE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED.” ( Matthew 10:21-22 ESV)

Jesus went on to point out that a disciple and servant are not above their teacher and master. Rather, it was enough “to be like” the teacher and master. ( Matthew 10:24-25) Are we focusing OUR OBEDIENCE to parallel that of our Lord so that we will be submissive to the Father’s Will regardless of what we might face?

As Paul faced whatever lay before him, his continuing hope was that he would have sufficient courage to honor Christ in his body, whether that be by life or death. ( Philippians 1:20) I believe Paul’s life revealed how much he knew what it meant to possess the mind of Christ and walk obediently in His steps. Let us understand that OUR OBEDIENCE to God, regardless of what we face, will always lead to glory. May we continue to live a surrendered life to the Father’s Will, knowing He is fully able to bring us safely home.

Have a great day FOCUSED TO GO THE DISTANCE WITH CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Obedience