The Apostle Paul lived in Lockdown 1st!#
In the midst of Covid mayhem I chance to read the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul stretches this new church as he tackles the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13) This verse now echoes across the world daily, as it has done for centuries since the first printing press around 1455.
Fine words, but what qualifies Paul to speak into our lockdown situation?
What qualifies him to write on contentment when you HAVE TO live in lockdown; when you have to live with the injustice of the maskless, selfish protesters, making your situation worse and forestalling any prospect of hugging your mum or your grandkids?
He is qualified. Paul is in jail.
He endures a personal, unreasonable, unjust and extended lockdown. Yet, Paul has learned the secret of being content in a far more brutal lockdown. So, he lived a message now again worth hearing. His words are valid. Lockdown in the Hyatt can only be a massive dilution of Paul's.
Paul is not just interested in Christ or merely inspired by Christ. Paul redeems his isolation and ill-treatment because it permits him to proclaim Jesus the Christ. Paul has seized the privilege of imitating Christ – and he is content.
The knowledge of who Christ is, and what Christ has done for each of us transforms and transplants our lockdown.
As with Paul, so too us. Contentment in trial is our salt and our light to transform the lives of others.
Brothers and sisters, we have that blessed assurance that regardless of life's firey stones we each traverse we cannot replace the truth of a perfect hope because our next life is secured by our Savior.
The Lamb is still on the throne. The Spirit still lives within us.
Be at rest my soul for the Lord has been and still is being good to you. (Psalm 116:7 ~ SoulSupply paraphrase)
Today's Soul Snippet:
'The purpose of restoration is reproduction.' ~ Michael Cartwright
#Today's SoulSnack was penned by a gracious subscriber and is reproduced with light SoulSupply edits.