Philippians 1:15-30
Friday, 19 July 2024
My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honour to Christ, whether I live or die. -Philippians 1:20 [GNT]
The call to duty in the Lord’s vineyard, always demands commitment and dedication to service. In the Lord’s vineyard and service, our duty is to uphold the authority of His word and sacrificially commit ourselves to bring honour to Christ. This is the example we see in the life of Paul: “… so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.”(V.20). Even in his chains, Paul was using the opportunity to further the gospel. It only made him bolder to speak the good news of Jesus to others.
Even though some may be hypocritical in their service, commitment and call to duty, the Lord always searches the heart, examines the mind and rewards us accordingly. We must always bear in mind that our labour in the Lord is never in vain, so we should earnestly desire not to fail in our duty in the Lord’s vineyard. Our commitment must not be hampered by detractors and backbiters, who are always there to keep us off track. “Do not let anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him.” (Ephesians 5:6)
For those in the Lord’s vineyard, there may be times and moments when we will be challenged with discouraging situations, words or events. But does that mean we should abandon our God-given call to duty and move to another direction that has nothing to do with this call? NO! The writer of Hebrews tell us to stay on course while keep our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus! Jesus was determined to fulfil what He was sent to earth for. “Think of all the hostility he [Christ] endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” Hebrews 12:3[NLT]
God knows every moment in our lives and is always aware of our commitment as he searches our heart and examines our minds. That’s why Jesus say in Revelation 2:9-10: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” He knows those who are committed to Him and He helps them to be overcomers in the trials they face.
Our God and King not only calls us to duty in his vineyard; but he is always there with us in both the good and unpleasant moments in the course of our duty as the greatest supervisor. No matter what our situations may look like in the moments of our call to duty, we should always bear in mind that our Lord and Master promised never to leave us neither forsake us, and that He will be with us even unto the end of the age (cf. Matt.28:20).
PRAYER: Lord Almighty! Open my ears, to hear You well when You speak, and the courage and wisdom to listen and understand what Your Word is saying to me. Amen
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