Hot Pursuit!

When police officers are in “hot pursuit” of a criminal, their goal is to OVERTAKE them so that they may be taken into custody. Paul seemed to live his life in “hot pursuit” of capturing the essence of Jesus and all that went with the relationship. Regardless of how much he had matured in faith and godliness, Paul recognized there was still room for growth.

Paul expressed it this way.
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to MAKE IT MY OWN, because Christ Jesus has MADE ME HIS OWN.” ( Philippians 3:12 ESV)

The Greek in this passage implies Paul’s pursuit of OVERTAKING or apprehending (Gk. “katalambano”) that for which Jesus had OVERTAKEN or apprehended (Gk. “katelemphthen” which is akin to “katalambano”) him. According to W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, “katalambano” is a word which signifies simply “to lay hold of” or “to lay hold of so as to possess as one’s own.”

The meaning of the Greek word used by Paul corresponds to the twofold meaning of the English word “apprehend” as well as supporting the wording of the English Standard Version above. Paul desired for his life to be OVERTAKEN by fellowship with Christ (note Philippians 3:10-11) in a way that he was captured in the ownership of Christ. Paul wanted to OVERTAKE and make His own that for which Jesus had OVERTAKEN him to make him Christ’s own.

How hot of a pursuit have we made such fellowship with Christ? Are we grateful Christ has pursued us to be His own? If we belong to Christ we ought to be pursuing the things which relate to that relationship. We are to seek to make all that goes with the relationship “our own” as He has made us “His own.” May we walk as individuals who have been completely apprehended by the Lord.

Have a great day IN THE CUSTODY OF CHRIST!
Carl

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