Monday Devotion - 1st June 2020
Painting of the 20th century German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Scripture: Philippians 1:21-26
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
The name Dietrich Bonhoeffer may mean something to you. He was a German pastor that lived in the 20th century, and specifically during the midst of the second world war. As the war was imminent, like many others, Bonhoeffer decided to leave his beloved Germany and took a job in a seminary in New York.
However, he immediately regretted this decision and was overwhelmed by guilt. He knew deep down that he must share in the sufferings of his people;
‘’I will have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people’’
So Bonhoeffer boarded the last boat travelling across the Atlantic and returned to Germany. He lived a further 6 years, in which he stood up to the Nazi regime that had engulfed his country. He continued writing books and sending letters to his former students. Nevertheless, he was imprisoned in 1943 and for the 18 months that he was in prison he continued to evangelise both to his fellow prisoners and guards.
One month before the surrender of Nazi Germany Bonhoeffer was executed. He was only 39 years old but has since been hailed a modern-day martyr and his legacy continues to influence many.
The Apostle Paul wrestled with a similar internal battle. He longed to be with Christ as he knew that would be far better than this sin-cursed world (verse 23). However, he knew that it was of greater importance for him to remain on earth. All for the sake of the Philippians and the advancement of the gospel.
Paul is convinced that it is necessary for him to visit the Philippian church if he is freed from house arrest. He knew that if he could visit them once again, that he would be able to encourage them in their faith. In-fact his return would be for their ‘progress and joy in the faith‘ (verse 25).
God’s people are always uplifted whenever they see God at work. Paul knew that if God intervened and spared his life, then the Philippian church would revel in their faith once again. Likewise, we should pray for the same work of God in our situations. We can approach our heavenly Father boldly and we should long for God to intervene in our current worldwide pandemic.
It is simply phenomenal to read these words by Paul. He wants to be with Christ, but if he is to remain on earth, the greatest benefit of his extension of life would be for the betterment of others. Do you see how self-less Paul is? He is utterly more concerned about others. And specifically the spiritual welfare of others. He is exemplifying a true pastors heart.
The reason for his existence is not for his own joy, comfort or satisfaction. It is all for the Philippians and that their faith would increase and glory in Christ Jesus (verse 26).
Paul is willing to deny himself his greatest desire for the spiritual good of others. And this is the same battle that you and I face each day. Are we willing to lay aside our wants, desires, comfort, status etc. for the spiritual edification of others. Essentially it is a question of priorities. Do we value our needs above those of our neighbours?
We see that lifestyle played out in both Paul and Bonhoeffer. Two men, willing to put the comforts of life, even their very lives to the bottom of the pile. Instead, they prioritised the spiritual well-being of others. And their sacrificial lives encouraged and strengthened countless individuals to prize Christ Jesus above all else.