Philippians 4:1

Posted by DJL on Nov 19, 2012 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

We’ve come to another “therefore.”

Paul has drawn to the close of his warnings for his dear friends. More than that, he has reminded them that their citizenship is in heaven and declared that however difficult this life might be, their Lord will come to claim them in time.

Paul’s words to his congregation are, finally, a promise. And promises, whatever other attributes they may have, simultaneously flow from and create faith.

Couples say “I do” at the wedding altar because of the love they feel. Yet those words also create and bolster the love they witness to, binding one to the other when mere feelings wane.

A parent promises a child to play a game at home that night when all the chores are done, believing the child capable of completing the assignments. Yet at the same time the child is spurred on to complete the assigned chores because of the promise.

That’s how promises work. They don’t simply reflect belief, they create it. And so Paul closes his entreaties with a promise, the promise that the Philippian’s true home is in heaven, that their lives are therefore secure, and that their Lord will come for them. And through the power of this promise, they are capable of living into Paul’s “therefore,” stand firming against any and all who would draw them away from faith in their Lord.

Prayer: Dear God, root us steadfastly in your promises that we may stand firm in faith, confidence, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.