December 10~Life and Death

Philemon 1:1-25

Philippians 1:1-2:11

We continued to follow Paul’s letter-writing campaign, by reading his short message to Philemon and the beginning of his letter to the Philippians. His message to Philemon was simple — “show kindness to Onesimus” (v.10). Evidently, Onesimus was Philemon’s slave, who had run away to find Paul in Rome. While in Rome, he became a follower of Christ and was encouraged by Paul and others to return to his master. Paul’s letter was written to soften the blow of his return, as he would face the anger and possible resentment of Philemon.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians was meant to encourage them regarding his situation in prison. He explained that his circumstances “had happened to spread the Good News” (v.12). In that, Paul said, he rejoiced (v.18). Next, Paul described the two options that he saw for his future – discharge or death – both of which he believed would turn out for his deliverance (v.19). He recognized that he would be “free” one way or the other. Either the Romans would find him innocent and he would be freed from his chains, or the Romans would find him guilty, though he was innocent, and execute him, thus setting him free from his earthly chains to go to heaven.

Notice that Paul wrestled with life and death, not knowing which one to choose. In his mind, both were preferable, for “to me,” he wrote, “living is for Christ and dying is even better” (v.21). Paul’s view of life and death is instructive here. For most people, to live is gain and to die is loss. In other words, life is good and death is bad; but, for Paul, it was quite different. While life was good, death was much better (v.23). He did not fear death but welcomed it.

In Paul’s mind, to remain on earth was to live for Christ, to honor Him by his words and deeds, to make Him known and to share Him with everyone; but to die or to depart from this world was to live with Christ, in His presence, by His side, with a host of believers in the halls of heaven. Today, we tend to hold onto this earthly life in such a way that reveals our misunderstanding of what is to come. We act as if we were leaving behind something better for something worse, when, in reality, we are leaving behind something “good” for something much better.

Daily Reflection

This life, as “good” as it might be, pales in comparison to the life that is to come. How so?

With so much to look forward to, do you have to fear death? If you have put your trust in God, then “death has no sting” (1 Corinthians 15:55), rather it is the door through which you must pass to enter into the second, more desirable life that awaits you.

Notice that while Paul knew that he was to remain a little while longer, he was comforted by the fact that it meant more “fruitful service” for him (v.22). He knew that his time on earth was limited and that while he was here, he was not to waste it; he was supposed to labor or work.

You work all the time but for what, a paycheck, groceries, gas? Is that fruitful labor? No, Paul is referring to labor that bears eternal fruit not temporary reward. Do you recognize that your time is limited? Do you understand that you are not to be wasting your time? Does your work produce fruit that is eternal? Are you just making a living or are you making a difference?

BiAY.org | Day 344 — 21 Days to Go