on your behalf

Philippians 2 is a deep well from which a person can drink long and often. Among its many treasures is a hymn of the early Christian church (vs 6 - 11) celebrating Jesus’ decision to leave His rightful place in heaven to come to earth in the form of a man to suffer the horrible death on a cross as the act of reconciling sinful man to a holy God. It is beautiful verse and stunning in its theology.

Paul uses this (most likely) familiar hymn as a way of encouraging this band of believers to be mindful of the interests and welfare of others. Then. as now, the bent of people is not selflessness. Jesus’ act of humility stands in dramatic contrast to a society that tirelessly promotes “self”.

All our relationships have the capacity to be distorted by self-interest. Because of our sinful nature, we hedge our answers, shade the truth, pose our actions - all to bring us some advantage, some superiority. Even if only for a moment.

It is an endless and empty pursuit, never satisfying the ache it hopes to soothe. We want to matter. We want to be important. We want our hands to make it work. Our words to make it happen. Our lives to be essential.

For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good pleasure. (v 13) (... I find it extremely comforting - and sometimes a little disconcerting - to know that God Himself is actively, willfully working in me!)

We get out of alignment when we will and act for our good pleasure; we were not created for that.

Our will cannot make us better. Our actions don’t make us good. Without God, our will is impotent. Without God, our actions are, at best, reckless.

But God is there, working, working, working. Never ceasing. Never giving up. Never accepting “almost”. Never settling for “OK”.

Wonder if you’re important? Wonder if you matter? Wonder if you’re essential? Look at Who is working - right now, and always - on your behalf. Look at what He’s already done - on your behalf. Look at His determination - on your behalf. Look at His faithfulness - on your behalf.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet.... sorrow and love flow mingled down....

On your behalf.

R