Psalms 30, 32, 42, 43 | Ezekiel 39:21-29 | Phil 4:10-20 | John 17:20-26
When I was given Philippians 4:10-20 as Scripture on which to write a Lenten Reflection, I had no idea what I would find. As a writer, I was delighted.
I began by reading the 4th chapter of Philippians. This epistle of Paul (responsible for writing two-thirds of the New Testament, most of it while incarcerated for professing Christ), turns out to be as concise a capsule of the New Testament as the four Gospels are of the life and teachings of Christ. It's full of Scripture we quote, songs we sing, creeds we live. Body and brain are called to action early in, “Stand firm in the Lord” and “Be of the same mind in the Lord.” Women are singled out to be protected and preserved. “Rejoice in the Lord, always, and again, I say, rejoice!” is a song I've sung in St. John's choir.
Verses 10-20? How about verse 12? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I've sung that too. There's really no way to do anything without Christ. Nothing I've found. Nothing I want.
I heard a wonderful sermon, “Those Crazy Philippians!” by Nasar Sadiki, on Trinity Broadcasting Network. As recorded in Philippians 4, the believers in Philippi were the only ones who cared enough about Paul and his work of spreading the Gospel to send him cash in Macedonia so he could live. Simply live.
It's hard to preach when you're hungry and homeless. Hard to do anything but pray, under those circumstances.
How does Paul see the Philippians' tithes? It's very interesting. “Not because I desire a gift, but I desire a fruit that may abound to your account.” (4:17). Paul is grateful for the money which will be “treasure in Heaven” on the givers' tabs, as our
gifts — given and received — will also be. Verse 19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Afraid to give? Tithing isn't just a cool idea for Jews 5,000 years ago — it's a commandment of God for us today. I love the expression “Ya can't outgive God!” But how will you ever know, unless you try? The only questions you need ask and answer are:
How rich is God?
How seriously do you take God's commandment to tithe (and tithing is only the minimum; there's no maximum!)
“Wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also. What's your treasure? Where's your heart? Try God's bank. There no late, over-the-limit, NSF fees. And you'll never believe the interest rate till you see it — manna in your own life.
Thank you, God. Thank you, Paul. Thank you, Philippians.
— Leslie Chain
Complete list of meditations
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