Re:Verse passage – Philippians 2:19-30 (day five)
“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon”.
It’s been a long 7 months and I miss seeing and being with so many of our church family. The Lord has led some to come back for worship. Others are being wise, prayerful, and careful (as we all should) as they listen to the Lord about their return timing.
There is a tangible joy and delight (for them and for me) when (each week) someone comes back for the first time since the pandemic. You can see it in their eyes and sense it in their hearts. (“that you may rejoice at seeing him again”)
I like the way Paul frames His decision to send Timothy back to the church in Philippi (in the Lord). Trusting God’s leadership and guidance in this (and every decision Paul makes). I believe God will help us, guide us, and speak to us (each and all) about when we could and should return. So, while my heart is heavy, it is also full of hope and confidence in God’s strength, sovereignty, and wisdom in protecting and gathering His church. I hope “in the Lord” to be with you soon, as God continues to bless and grow His kingdom through FBCSA.
Beautifully-written, Scott! Paul’s writings (“as unto the Lord,” “as is fitting in the Lord,” “Christ is all, and in all”) reflect his immersion in Jesus—that Christ is his life. For him, all thoughts and actions—and here, hopes—are in the Lord. Oh, that I were willing to live that way!
What an excellent application of our reverse!! I read it first as soon as I awakened and just now re read it and had to comment what a blessing your words are. We are among the ones still not comfortable doing group gatherings As soon as our heart gets the green light we will be back. Until then Virtual worship continues – just remotely , yet so sincerely.
“I hope in the Lord Jesus…” So many hopes, Scott, but one of the greatest is to be in the house of the Lord! I pray that we will all soon be together to boldly and joyously praise our Lord. What a blessing that will be. Though we each may serve and worship from afar, we are better together. Wonderful words, Scott!