Philippians 2:17-18
17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink
offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Reflection
Today’s scripture is heart-wrenching. Imagine you’re
gathered to hear Paul’s latest letter. You are gathered in with other believers. At first Paul had said that he may come to visit, but this is tempered with his worry over his faith. Now Paul lays it all on the line with the imagery that relates his death to worship. The faith of the Philippians is the offering and Paul’s life blood is the blessing poured upon that
offering. This scene would look very much like the pagan and Israelite worship of the time. No doubt there were tears shed when this was read in the community. Like Paul what legacy of God’s work in the world do you want to be your life’s offering to God? What contribution will God make through you to spread the gospel?
