Back to the Basics – Week of March 14, 2022
Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Philippians 3:20-4:1
ECME Devotion March 14, 2022
See series: ECME Devotions
Have you ever heard the term “the summer slide”? It’s the regression that takes place in students after a few months of vacation from school. Simple skills like holding a pencil, using a scissors, or even writing one’s own name can seem difficult!
After the first few weeks back to school, it is fun to see how quickly the students remaster the tasks they once knew. They pick up pencils, cut with scissors, and write their names just as they did before. They hadn’t truly forgotten, but they needed to be reminded. They’ve got the basics down once again!
We see a similar situation unfolding here in Philippians. Paul loves this congregation dearly. He goes as far as to call them “my joy and crown”. Like any loving teacher, he offers them some much needed encouragement and a refresher course on the truths of their Savior. They needed to be reminded and Pastor Paul brings them back to the basics.
The Philippians were facing persecution and their present circumstances were causing doubt and fear to linger. There were others around them who were losing their faith. Knowing this, Paul not only assures his beloved congregation that they can stand firm in their faith, but he also gives them some pretty incredible evidence of why:
- Future glory is greater than any present circumstance.
- Jesus is coming back to bring us to our true home, heaven.
- Jesus has power and control over absolutely everything.
- Jesus will transform our lowly bodies into perfect and eternal bodies.
Just like a teacher returning from summer vacation, Paul powerfully reminds the Philippians of truths they already know. He encourages them to go back to the basics of who Jesus is- their perfect Savior.
Don’t we need the same thing today? In this world, with its noise and lies, it can be easy to forget God’s promises and begin to doubt his faithfulness. Most things are changing at rapid speed, and we can quickly get caught up in all of the complicated mess. Praise the Lord that when we return to his Word, we find the same basic truths, unchanged and forever offering the reassurance we need to stand firm in the Lord!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide us to remember the truth you have taught us. Help us run to your Word and promises when we get lost in this world. We praise you for being our constant anchor throughout our lives. Grant us peace. Amen
