Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
It appears for some unknown reason, we’ve allowed ourselves to believe that the horrors of 2020 would magically disappear with the coming of the new year. Deep inside we thought that the pandemic would subside; and hatred, bigotry and prejudice would suddenly be a thing of the past. We even held out hope that with the new election, our finances would improve and prosperity would overtake us like a flood. Well, January 2021 is complete, and it doesn’t look like our expectations will immediately be realized. If anything, this may be a year tougher than we’ve ever faced before.
But despite the grim prospects before us, we actually have an advantage that we mustn’t overlook. There were lessons we learned in 2020 that will prove invaluable as we move forward. Think about it for a moment. We came into 2020 with the thought that we couldn’t make it without gathering weekly at a church, sitting in our favorite pew and singing our favorite song. It was unthinkable last January to even imagine living in a world where we couldn’t freely travel anywhere in the world we could afford, or hang out in our favorite restaurant for hours upon end with friends and family. It was unthinkable. But we did it. And that’s prepared us for our next challenge...2021!
As we review our text this morning, we note the positive words of the Apostle Paul to the residents of Philippi. If you look at this short segment in a vacuum, it appears he sets the stage for positive thinking, prosperous encounters and a happy ending for all. But the truth is, he wrote these words while incarcerated and looking at possibly being executed. But how???
How can a man that had everything going for him and now facing an uncertain future be so upbeat and cavalier about the prospect of being put to death? How? Not only that, but if you read this wonderful account of his time in prison in it’s entirety, you will find that he gloried in the fact that the Lord found him worthy to suffer for righteousness sake. He considered it an honor to die for Jesus. Dying was his reward. Living was his sacrifice.
Though we are going through what may be the toughest times in our lives, I dare say that no one reading this today is facing execution for the cause of Christ. At least I pray not. Yet, this lesson resonates with us today because suffering is suffering, and knowing there is context to what you’re going through is tremendously helpful. Perhaps Paul’s example can help us.
The central message of the early church was the return of Jesus Christ. Paul was clear about that. Jesus is not just Lord of the heavens. He’s not just an angelic being sitting on a throne waiting to greet us when we die. The same Jesus that left this earth is coming back again to reign and be king forever. That is central to the Gospel message.
But what else is central to the message is concerning those of us who hope to reign with Christ. We don’t simple say a few words, quote a few scriptures and live without consequence when we decide to follow Jesus. Following Jesus is a process. Though we begin as our original flawed selves, by the end of our journey, we will be changed into the image of Christ. That’s Jesus Christ, the selfless, sacrificial Lamb of God. That’s our goal. That’s the prize Paul was referring to. So suffering for Jesus is a prize. Being humiliated for the name of Jesus is a prize. Being ostracized, persecuted, talked about and laughed at is not a bad thing. As long as it’s for righteousness sake, it is our honor and privilege.
I most certainly contend that 2020 prepared our hearts and minds for selfless sacrifice and tireless work for Jesus Christ. We held it together without the benefit of a church building. We prayed without the aid and comfort of cushioned pews, a team of clergy and ushers to support us. We praised and sung without choirs. And we preached when no one was there to say amen. But 2020 ain’t 2021.
Dear people of God, the Lord has begun a great work in you...and he will complete it. We’ve gone from being in the sanctuary, to becoming living sanctuaries. Our affections, desires, hopes and dreams have been altered. No longer are our prayers about ourselves. No longer do we suppose we will soon go back to “normal”. We, like Paul, must seek only to press toward the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus. Let’s make 2021 better than any year ever.
God bless
