Love: A New Commandment - a Journey in PhilippiansSample

Again rejoice…

“Rejoice, and again I say rejoice”. Paul repeats these words again and again. In this short letter, Paul used the word “rejoice” more than in his three longest letters combined (Romans and 1 and 2 Corinthians). But during his time in prison, this would not have been his natural inclination. He writes in 2 Corinthians 1 that he was so discouraged at one stage he had given up any hope. That’s when he learned to trust even more in the God who raises the dead. Then he wrote with joy again, sometimes teasing, always rejoicing and commanding us to rejoice too.

Here’s a historian’s comment: “Often the word here is translated ‘rejoice’. We normally understand that word today, I think, as meaning something that happens inside people, a sense of joy welling up and making them happy from within. All that is important and is contained within Paul’s command, but in his world and culture, this rejoicing would have meant a public celebration. The world all around, in Ephesus, Philippi, Corinth and elsewhere used to organise great festivals, games and shows to celebrate their gods and their cities, not least the new ‘god’, Caesar himself. Why shouldn’t the followers of King Jesus celebrate exuberantly? It’s only right, and celebrating Jesus as Lord encourages and strengthens loyalty and obedience to him.” (NT Wright, Paul for everyone)

Celebrate King Jesus publicly. The Holy Spirit strengthens your loyalty to Jesus and energises you through public celebrations, to establish a heavenly culture. That is one of the reasons why Sunday gatherings are so important.

In this culture’s celebrations, all people have equal value - women became leaders in the church and Paul’s partners. This culture unifies people because it’s the culture of God’s loving kingdom. That’s why we celebrate with gentleness. If there are divisions in the church, especially amongst church leaders, we must deal with it urgently, otherwise, it contradicts our public celebrations and makes the Church look like a failed social experiment. Again, be of the same mind. Think in humility. The King we celebrate is, after all, “humble and gentle in heart!”

Reflection Question:

How will I describe my participation in the church’s public celebrations?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we are your church. Holy Spirit, strengthen us so that our public life and celebration will line up. Use us to reach others with your gentleness. Amen.