Bible Snapshots

Paul centres his letter to the Philippians around a poem that highlights Jesus’ attitude of humility in the face of suffering. 

His letter invites all readers to consider other people's needs and interests, even when life is hard. Difficult circumstances often make humans want to complain, compete against one another, and hoard resources to meet our own needs. But Paul invites us to remember how Jesus’ selfless sacrifice leads to true life. His resurrection gives us a reason to humbly share with others in the most difficult times. Paul’s prison chains prove that sharing Jesus’ attitude isn’t easy, so he encourages the church and reminds them to endure. Now let’s take the time to internalise his message and reflect more together.

George Atley was killed while serving with the Central African Mission. There were no witnesses, but the evidence indicates that Atley was confronted by a band of hostile tribesmen. He was carrying a fully loaded, 10-chamber Winchester rifle and had to choose either to shoot his attackers and run the risk of negating the work of the mission in that area, or not to defend himself and be killed.

When his body was later found in a stream, it was evident that he had chosen the latter. Nearby lay his rifle-all 10 chambers still loaded. He had made the supreme sacrifice, motivated by his burden for lost souls and his unswerving devotion to his Saviour. With the apostle Paul, he wanted Christ to be magnified in his body, "whether by life or by death.'

Paul explains to the persecuted church at Philippi that living as a Christian means seeing our own story as a living expression of Jesus' story. Paul calls the people to imitate Jesus’ way of life, so that even in their suffering, they can find contentment and purpose through his example.

Though you are God,

with all the influence and status that the name implies,

you refused to pull rank,

and parade your power among us.

 

Instead, you chose to step down into our experience,

living among us, as one of us,

with all the struggle and suffering

that goes with being human.

 

More than that, you adopted the role of slave,

washing feet, serving people of no reputation or social standing,

and giving of yourself completely.

 

As incredible as it sounds,

you are the God who serves,

and we can respond in no other way

than to give ourselves to you in praise. Amen