21 Nov December 7th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

I PRAY CHRIST WILL BE EXULTED IN MY BODY

WHETHER BY LIFE OR BY DEATH

Philippians 1:18-20 “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

St. Paul remained in prison.  The outcome for his personal life and well-being was very much up-in-the air.  There was little chance of his immediate release.  His best chance was to appeal to the Roman Emperor, which as a Roman citizen he had the right to do.  Even that was no guarantee to a favorable outcome.

In verse 20, he said that “he eagerly expected” whatever the outcome, that whether he lived or died what happened to him would exalt, lift up and give glory to Jesus.  His life had been on the line many times previously (see 2 Corinthians 11:23ff.)   In spite of all this, he gladly continued to put his life on the line to raise up the name of Jesus, especially for the sake of those who had never known Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

As an Apostle, a true believer in Jesus as his personal savior, Paul kept pushing forward to spread the gospel that more would believe.  His motto is found here in verse 20, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

As a true believer in Jesus, you also have been called to give your witness and testimony to the world as to your faith and trust in Him.  Knowing that nothing can separate you from His love, including death itself, you can boldly proclaim that Jesus is Lord and savior of all.  Jesus says to you, “ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

Prayer:  Grant me, O Lord, courage and strength to live my life to your glory and honor.  Amen.

We are called to stand together With the saints of ages past,

With the patriarchs and prophets In the faith they once held fast;

Promises and hopes they treasured Now we find fulfilled at last!

Those whom Jesus called apostles Journeyed with Him side by side,

Heard His teaching, felt His power, Saw the way he lived and died;

Then the news of resurrection They delivered far and wide.

Through the intervening ages Round the world the Gospel spread;

Faithful heralds took the message Guided where the Spirit led;

So the body grew in stature, Serving Christ, the living head.

Now in many tongues and cultures Songs of celebration ring;

Millions who confess our Savior Honor Him as Lord and King

And, for courage, grace and guidance Ev’ry day their prayers they  bring.

To each coming generation Tell the truth, persuade, explain,

Till the time when time is ended, Till the Savior comes again—

Till the saints are all united Under Christ’s eternal reign!

(LSB 828)