For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. Philippians 1:21-22
Apostle Paul had been through so much as a beacon for faith in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11 he outlines some of his struggles: ‘Five times I had received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea, on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, danger from gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked.’ Vs. 24-27
Paul speaks about his true struggles so that we may grasp the awesome Greatness of Christ. Jesus shields Paul from death, His witness to the Good News whose journey is born in Jesus at Christmas! Paul’s greatness pales in comparison to the ministry and mission Jesus has called him to accomplish in Christ’s service.
Salvation and New Birth enters as one tiny Holy Baby is born at Bethlehem. History is His Story! Jesus’ life, ministry, and life after death is our Way, begun in the lowly manger.
Some remember that a greatness came to us in Toscanini, the orchestra conductor extraordinaire, whose world renowned talents caused many to marvel. At a cherished moment when he was speaking with his favored orchestra as they prepared to play Beethoven’s symphony, he said, “Gentlemen, Toscanini is nothing; you are nothing; Beethoven is everything.” The orchestra was playing to promote Beethoven’s genius as a composer, and not to focus on the excellence of the players that blended in tune together.
Toscanini was presenting a principle of faith, for Jesus is primary, and we are nothing. In His service Jesus is our everything. As Paul simply says, “For me to live is Christ.”
With you in Christ Jesus, Rev. Walker
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