God's Story Is Our Story: From Acts to New CreationSample

Paul writes several letters, including Philippians, from jail. He knows that death is a real possibility. He knows people are worried about him and are praying for his release. But, Paul wants to clarify something to them. He's worried that if he is condemned and is killed that people will be embarrassed by the scandal of it all. He also wants to re-orient how they think about life and death.

We all have a tendency to boil "the life" down to something that can be had and experienced in this life. We all are operating with some conception of what the good life is and are pulled to what can be experienced in the here and now.

Paul says that death is actually gain. How can Paul say that? Is he depressed in jail and wishing for suicide? No. Paul is redefining life as being with Christ. Paul tells us that when we die, we get to be with Christ in some way that we don't experience now. This is what theologians call "the intermediate state." Our soul goes to be with Christ in some way or fashion and is waiting until the resurrection at the end of the church age when our souls will be reunited with our bodies.

For Paul, this means that his time on earth now is when he can be a blessing to other people. He can help people believe in Christ, grow in Christ, and persevere in Christ. Paul knows the choices we make matter in this life and wants to be a part of helping others.

We need Paul's words to reorient our own hearts for what the good life truly is.