Shining as Stars
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Philippians 2:12-18
12. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13. for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15. that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16. holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17. Even if I am to be poured as a libation upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Isaiah 40:26
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of this great power and mighty strength not one of them is missing.
Paul beseeches the Philippians to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. He’s not talking about being afraid or timid – he’s referring to God’s mighty power. When His power is at work within us we are both awed and humbled that He would use such as us to do His bidding. When we look up in the sky and see the billions of stars – all created and numbered by God, each of them precious as one of His creations, it causes us to tremble when we realize that He loves us even more! It is unimaginable!
Because of our awe and humility, in honor and thanks, Paul urges all believers to do all that God wills for us without complaining or feeling put upon. We are to be joyful in His service. We are to hold fast to our faith and trust that a great reward awaits us in heaven. Paul is in prison – not sure if he’ll live or die – and conflicted – because he longs to be with Christ, yet he longs to do God’s work with every second he has left on earth – to have that kind of faith and obedience is truly amazing!
Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. Paul LIVES and BREATHES his faith. He is unceasingly busy spreading the good news and doesn’t want to miss one opportunity to save another soul! He wants us to share in his joy. He wants us to be obedient. And when we look up at the night sky, he wants us to know that we can endure and overcome and claim victory over everything in this world and in this life, because the God who made the stars, also made us and he loves us beyond imagining.
I hope you spend your day shining as a star, joyfully proclaiming the good news in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.
Mary
