“Rejoice in the Lord.”
Philippians 3:1 was not written on a MacBook in a quiet study with a controlled climate from the comfort of a wingback chair.
If you listen closely as you read this encouraging book, you can almost hear the rattle of the chains on Paul’s wrist as he dips his pen in the inkwell and then over to the papyrus, writing, “Rejoice in the Lord.”
Not all pastors or preachers are appreciated. Paul, to say the least, was underappreciated. From a Roman prison, however, he is Paul, the encourager. Condemned unjustly, still he writes about … joy. How is that possible? I am sure I am not the first to ask the question. I believe Paul could write encouragingly with the theme of joy and rejoicing because years before this he decidedly placed his faith in God’s promise for him at the finish line.
I do not know the discouraging hurdles you face each day, but as a pastor I know the God who has revealed himself to us. I know He gives peace in the storm, joy for the journey and a promise of a prize at the finish line. That was enough to keep Paul encouraged, and I believe you and I can inspire one another in much the same way.
The end did not catch Paul by surprise. He wrote to young Timothy prior to his execution: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Focus on the goal! The old hymn says it best:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it someday for a crown.
Dear pastor/preacher, I hope to see you Nov. 9 at our South Carolina Baptist Pastors’ Conference in Spartanburg at Southside Baptist Church. Come and expect to hear an encouraging word!
— Mike Runion is pastor of City View First Baptist Church in Greenville and vice president of the 2015 South Carolina Baptist Pastors’ Conference.