“Rejoice in the Lord always, Again I will say, rejoice!”
Phil. 4 : 4
This has been the theme for this year's OVBS. in UAE region. Though OVBS. as an event is primarily meant for our children, the theme seems to be having a “yeast in the dough” effect, having its magical impact to whomsoever makes an honest reflection about it. And I suspect whether God purposely made this happen for all of us to look at this theme especially when the Passion Week is round the corner this time.
For St. Paul , who wrote these lines while undergoing tremendous physical pain and suffering in the prison in Philip pi , rejoicing necessarily meant reflecting upon the sufferings of Christ on the Cross. We get a glimpse of what sort of a vision Paul constantly had in mind for his life when we read Phil. 3 : 8 – 10 where he aims at gaining the following :-
a) Knowledge of Christ
For St. Paul, this was an intense feeling, so excellent and valuable (calls it ‘gain') that before it, he considered everything else as loss and rubbish and he wouldn't mind to continue suffer loss for it. If we look carefully, this knowledge is not about Christ, which Paul had no books to refer to in those days, but rather that knowledge which he was relishing from the direct intervention of Christ in his life. A deep yearning and an intimate relation with Christ which he realized was all that mattered amidst the temporal joys, pleasures, pain and struggles he faced in life
b) Righteousness from God by faith
St. Paul was able to clearly differentiate between his own righteousness and that which he was led to by the Holy Spirit thus helping him to grow in faith. It is very easy to dwell upon our own understanding and wisdom and call upon God only when we face confusion and difficulties. But to give God the central place in our life and dwelling upon his righteousness at all times is indeed true living in Christ. St. Paul strived to achieve this state.
d) Knowledge of the power of Christ's resurrection
For St. Paul this was an assurance during his weakest moments of trials and tribulations that Christ in human form, with God's intervention was able to overcome sin, even death. He believed that Christ resurrected only to help him realize this fact that sin can be overcome, won over, by depending upon the power of the resurrected Lord. The Holy Spirit dwelling within us makes us realize of the great need to depend and trust in the resurrected Lord who walks with us.
c) Fellowship of Christ's sufferings,
being conformed to His death
To recognize Christ close by him amidst his deepest hour of pain and relish in the fact that Christ is suffering with him and he is not alone was indeed a great reason to rejoice for St. Paul. The sufferings and death of the Lord clearly showed him the value of not to dwell on the attractions and pleasures this world has to offer. A true sign of discipleship and practice of the love of Christ where he believed that suffering with Christ would be a gain not just to him but rather more for the person or the people he chose to suffer for. Hence the joy of rejoicing even amidst suffering.
Let us strive to reap the joy that comes from following the above in Christ. I wish all our faithful a blessed Passion Week and Easter experience with our Lord.
Thank you.
Your servant In Christ
Thomas Ninan Achen
