October 15, 2024
In yesterday’s verses, Paul expressed his strong desire to know and experience Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection in his own life. It’s a bold statement, and he follows it with a reminder to maintain focus on what is ahead:
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
Philippians 3:12-16
We can endure and persevere when there is something that makes it all worth it in the end. What do you notice in these verses about Paul’s hope for the future?
In verse 14, he describes God, through Jesus, calling to us from the finish line. Can you take a moment to imagine this? How do you react to the idea that Jesus is calling out and cheering you on to endure and finish well?
Practice: What do you hope for? Take a moment to write out or talk to a friend about your hopes for your life – and your hopes for what happens beyond your life on earth.