Philippians 4:4–13—
When Paul asserts he can “do all things” is not to suggest he can achieve all things but rather
he must endure all things with contentment. It is inconceivable that the
Philippians believed after receiving this letter that whatever they determined
to do; Christ would strengthen them to accomplish. They would have read it in
its context and heard Paul saying that the Lord strengthens him to endure any
situation the Lord has him in, whether abundance or need, hungry or filled.
So, can I do all things through Christ who is my
strength? It depends on what I mean. If I mean I can endure whatever situation
the Lord chooses for me because I receive my strength to endure from Christ,
then yes I can do all things.
But if I mean that whatever I determine to accomplish
in my life, I can because Christ will strengthen me, then I do not have the
authority and power of the word of God to have that confidence.
Paul does not suggest by these words
You can overcome any problem
You will get that past-due bill paid
You will get that job
You will be healed of any health issue
Nor did Paul intend for people twist his words to sell
all sorts of t-shirts and gifts.
Yes, God can do anything. But God has never promised
us we can ‘fix anything through Christ’. God has never promised that all of our
earthly problems would be solved or taken away.
Through endurance comes contentment and peace. Even if
he is suffering, or finds himself in need, Paul learned that his joy doesn’t
come from solving those problems. His joy comes from knowing Christ.
Even during bad times, Jesus strengthens us as he
counsels us, guides us, and encourages us., Even if you lose your job, or can’t
pay a bill, your source of joy should not be from fixing those problems. It
comes from faith in Christ.
While we all want our problems solved, the lesson here
is not about having our circumstances fixed. It’s about learning to lean on
Jesus and depend on Him, even if the circumstances don’t get better. It’s
always been about Jesus the source of your joy, regardless of circumstances.[1]
St Paul urges us to Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Rejoice, for
the Lord has washed us clean in Holy Baptism, clothing us in white garments,
and inviting us to the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no
end.
He reminds us that the Lord is at hand. The Lord is,
indeed, at hand; He is as near as His Word and Sacrament. Wherever the Word is
preached in its truth and purity and the Sacraments are rightly administered,
there the Lord is, dispensing the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.
Prayer for
the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to
witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your
Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who
hear it may receive the gift of salvation.[2]
[2]
Collect for the Mission of the Church, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia
Publishing House, St, Louis
Baptism image © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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