Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Now to the King eternal…
Summary: Paul’s praise of God begins with two words that are critical for understanding God’s power and authority: “King” and “eternal.”
With these words, “Now to the King eternal …” Paul begins a sentence that has been used by churches around the world as a model of praise for God.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:17a – King Eternal”
…and receive eternal life.
Summary: Taking a closer look at Paul’s words, we take a moment to review what it means to have eternal life.
Jesus called Paul to be an Apostle — one who is “sent” to teach others about the kingdom of God. We might not ever be called to appear before a king in this life, but we will in the next, and we need to understand what is involved so that we can be prepared.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home”
Do not be anxious about anything…
Summary: Paul’s words are direct and seemingly impossible to obey, except for the power of Jesus Christ in our lives.
As Paul writes the words in today’s passage, he is a prisoner of Rome in the first century AD. Roman prisoners were not noted for having nothing to be anxious about.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:6a – Anti-Anxiety”
The Lord is near.
Summary: Do you ever wonder where Jesus is? He might be closer than you think!
Do you ever feel like Jesus is far away?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:5b – King Jesus”
But our citizenship is in heaven.
Summary: The idea of citizenship in heaven is a provocative peek into our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Citizenship is something many of us take for granted. Growing up, I never worried about carrying citizenship papers until I traveled overseas. Before traveling outside the country, I needed to get a passport. Getting a passport required proving that I was a citizen.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:20a – Our Heavenly Passport”
… and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Summary: Life is not a game, but sometimes thinking in terms of a contest helps us visualize what is at stake in life.
What kind of prize motivates you?
Is it a trophy?
Are you excited by the thought of having your picture and name in the paper?
Do you work extra hard if the prize is money?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:13c-14 – The Prize”
I want to know Christ—
Summary: Paul has been talking about his relationship with Jesus. In this passage, he looks forward to something most people fear.
These five words, “I want to know Christ —,“ are a stunning statement coming from a man who has actually MET the risen Lord Jesus (Acts 9). He was personally chosen by Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentile world (Acts 9:15). Paul received his Gospel by direct revelation from Christ (Titus 1:3). Paul knows Christ rather well.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:10a – Life & Death”
… in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Summary: Paul’s simple little phrase about places above and below the earth opens a door of wonder about how things work in the spiritual realms.
This is an interesting passage. Paul could have said, “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow,” and left it at that, but he didn’t. Instead, he added these words:
“… in heaven and on earth and under the earth…”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:10b – Spirit and Flesh”
… and he began to teach them.
Summary: The weird truth about Jesus is that he also happens to be God.
There are many “teachers” out there, but not all teachings are true. So, who is Jesus, and why should we listen to his teachings?
Continue reading “Matthew 5: 2 — Who is Jesus? Part I”
… since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Summary: The NIV’s use of the word “struggle” prompts us to examine Paul’s intent more closely.
Struggle? What struggle?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:30 – Struggles”