April 15th - Reflection

Philippians 1:21-30 (NRSV)
Seeing Christ in this life

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.


Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Reflection
We are called. Each one of us is called. The disciples each were called to follow Jesus. Each had to decide to leave behind whatever it was they were doing, wherever they were staying and follow Jesus. We are called.

As we follow Jesus as disciples our world focuses on Jesus. We learn from Jesus as he teaches us. We listen to Jesus' every word. We are called and we follow. We receive joy and faith as we see Jesus joy and faith in the Father.

Then we find that the One who called us also saves us. Saves us from ourselves and sin. Jesus saves us from death. Jesus takes on our sin and dies for it. We are called. We focus on the Savior and follow and learn and live new life.

Our calling shows us the greatness of God beyond space and time. We are called to something much deeper than our earthly minds can imagine. We are called to a God beyond ourselves yet at the same time within and around ourselves. God joins us in flesh and blood and calls us to be with him.

As we respond to this call we joyfully go out to point to the One we follow. We passionately proclaim all that we have seen and point to Jesus. We are his disciples after all! God has found us and we want our friends, family, neighbors, strangers and even enemies to see Jesus!

We are called and we respond...automatically...not out of some need to be good, but because of Jesus. We respond because of Jesus and all he has done! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as I follow you this day...as the Spirit moves within me...may those I meet and greet know who I follow and why. Give me the words to say and the way to live this day. --- Amen