Philippians 2:17-18. “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”
JOY AND REJOICE. He is being poured out as a sacrifice to God But there is no fear in his heart. From the very first day Jesus Christ was his Lord – His joy was in God at the start. Now he seeks others living and giving by faith – Their joy is in the same reason as his They too have experienced the blessings of grace, And anticipate the coming day of Christ.
I haven’t met Paul but his joy I can share, When I see faith living in the children of God. There is reality when God’s people as one care, And exalt together the name of the Lord. Hymns of praise sound with sensitivity and truth; Prayers are made when together we join. The Gospel and teaching unitedly go forth – They press forward until victory is won.
Even when staring death in the face; One who has been committed to service for God Will be content knowing he is in the place His Master wants him as he travels this part of the road. He is content in himself, but even more than that – The building up in the faith of his sisters and brothers Brings mutual joy poured over a sacrificial act, That blesses both the giver and receiver.
“Father, I have been lately in the presence of two faithful servants who are nearing the end of their lives. I thank Thee for the contentment and joy I can see in them as they continue on faithfully in each day’s events. Grant them the grace they need and give us all the kind of joy Paul, and those of his day, had. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”