The End
We are rapidly heading toward the end of the church year. Yes, the calendar new year is still a ways, but it is a matter of days now until we find ourselves in Advent and preparing our hearts to remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior.
2020 came and went
2021’s time with us is drawing to a close.
What will you do with the time that is left?
Thanksgiving
As we turn our attention to the end of things I think it is important to remember all the things that we have been blessed with. I’ll be honest with you, this last year very rarely went according to my plans or predictions.
And that’s ok. That is not to say I don’t struggle with it, or at times I don’t lament it, or even get angry.
I struggle with things that are beyond my control.
But the Bible reminds me that sometimes the things that are thought of as terrible are actually for the glory of the kingdom of God.
Sometimes adversity is really opportunity.
And I need to be thankful for every opportunity that God gives me. It how Paul can be so bold, that near the end of his life he writes in the first chapter of Philippians (while in prison)
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Paul was thankful. Not for the chains, but for what the chains provided. He wasn’t chained to the guard, the guard was chained to a living sermon. Guard by guard was introduced to Jesus Christ through Paul’s witness. So much so, by the end of the letter, Philippians 4, Paul writes:
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
The men who held Paul prisoner were the Pretorian Guard. The Secret Service of Rome. They watched the Caesar and important political prisoners. As Paul introduced them to Jesus, they introduced others to their new found faith. And Christianity grew, in the most unlikely of places. The house of Caesar, the man who would behead Paul.
Wearing the chains of Rome Paul, through Christ, attacked the chains of sin.
And he was thankful for the opportunity.
If you have not read the book of Philippians ins a while, it might be a good idea to go back and reground yourself.
Good year.
Bad year.
Opportunity.
And so
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Why?
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever. (Psalms 118:1)
AMEN
See you Sunday,
Pastor Dan