Page 13 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Chris Jervis and are based on Philippians 1:21-30 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
Mark 8:34-38, Revelation 21
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the
gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved – and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Sunday December 10 - Life and death benefits
For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
Brian had been a hugely influential pastor and friend, so when, aged about fifty, he sat with me and announced that he was dying of cancer, you can imagine my shock. What amazed me more is that he was quite clear that he wanted Philippians 1:20-30 read and preached upon at his funeral. ‘For me to live is Christ’; Brian’s preaching, teaching and life spoke eloquently of the Saviour he loved, worshipped and served faithfully. But Brian also recognised that, however painful the thought of dying and leaving loved ones behind was, he knew he would pass into the joyful presence of the Lord Jesus Christ for eternity: ‘To die is gain.’
Because of our attachment to the natural, material and familiar elements of our temporal existence we easily lose sight of the reality of heaven and the ‘many-roomed mansion’ that Jesus spoke of (John 14:2). The scriptures give us three thrilling images of heaven to enthuse us: the many-roomed mansion, the paradise garden (Luke 23:43) and the jewel-bedecked city (Revelation 21). None is to be thought of as a photographic representation, but each speaks of delight, glory and splendour. Christ in this life, then Christ for all eternity! Let us firmly fix our eyes upon him for all our ‘todays’ and for all our ‘tomorrows’ – whether here on earth or with him in glory.
Lord, please grant to me, on this and every day, a ‘Jesus focus’, whether serving you here or gazing upon you in heaven. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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