Philippians 1:21-30 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 1:21-30 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Verse 22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. Verse 23I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; Verse 24but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Verse 25Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, Verse 26so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Verse 27Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, Verse 28and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. Verse 29For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well- Verse 30since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Devotion
When my father was dying, I encouraged him to live because we still wanted him around. He was clear, however, that he wanted to be with the Lord. He was 84 and his work was done. He quoted Philippians, his favorite biblical book: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” He died shortly after that conversation. Paul’s wonderfully clear paradox is a gift for people of faith. “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Though he would love to be with Christ, Paul still had work to do and he wanted to see the people of Philippi one more time. We are free to live into the promise that in death we will continue in Christ. My father had it just right.
Prayer
Welcoming God, we are grateful for the promise that sustains in life
and in death. Amen.