“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”…
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Paul’s “final” instructions often have the most important information in them for his readers and us. However, before we examine the “finally” of this letter, let’s do a quick overview of the “happy” letter.
Paul was happy because the Philippian church was his faithful partner in preaching, in prayer, and in providing for his needs.
Paul was happy because, despite his imprisonment, his colleagues were encouraged and continuing to preach the gospel and…he himself was also reaching out to the people in the very jail that kept him locked up.
Paul was happy because he knew that God will always finish what He started.
Paul was happy because the Philippians also played their part in suffering with Jesus, just as he did.
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.”
Philippians 1:29-30 NIV
Paul was also happy not only about…but also to…to remind and encourage them to keep doing and being who they were. Jesus was the model of humility. He has the attitude of a slave, being obedient to the Father even to death.
Paul was not only happy about the way his readers were maturing in their faith and in their loving service to one another, which would preserve the unity in the fellowship as they followed Jesus.
Paul was happy to share with them his own journey…from self-righteousness, which amounted to garbage, to the righteousness of Jesus which he pursued with relentless energy.
Now, Paul arrives at one of his most profound remedies…for anxiety…something that no doubt hounded his readers because of their uncertain circumstances. He begins with a repetition…First…
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Joy was a legacy from Jesus, not just joy but His joy.
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:10-12 NIV
What was the foundation of Jesus’ joy? I think that joy and hope are tied together. It’s difficult to rejoice when the world around is topsy-turvey, and one never knows whether one will be alive tomorrow but…if one’s tomorrow is secure in the purposes of God, then the anxiety about the way one arrives there loses its grip.
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:2 NLT
Jesus’ joy lay in His anticipation of the outcome. His hope was anchored in God’s purpose for Him. He rejoiced in the Father’s presence…pleasure…love…because His heart was set on doing the Father’s will. He would not allow the way to the end…the suffering and the cross…to deter Him from gaining the reward.
Jesus’ legacy…His love, His joy, His peace…was the promise of restoring everything Adam and Eve lost in the garden through their disobedience. Union with Jesus by faith, and obedience to His “new commandment” would bring back what was missing.
To be continued