...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Paul's already described that prize...that fully being "in Christ" that one day we'll really understand.
On that day he'll know fully, his questions, doubts & struggles will be understood in a whole new Light.
For now though, there is no passive waiting.
Letting the past become the shadow that it is, he's pushing hard, straining forward, towards Jesus.
But he's in jail.
This seems to be a heart yearning, a spiritual direction, an emotional drive, that is best explained by physical action... towards Jesus, towards his light (that makes the darkness flee) towards his grace (that is freely given, no matter who we are), towards his Life that gives life, that renews, restores.
There's more to this story for you and for me.
Paul here is all about direction...and direction has a destination...and the destination is a person.
The prize.
#pushon
#hope
...four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus... Mark 2:3-4 NLT Great account of inventiveness and determination to get their friend to see Jesus. Love this. Do you wonder about the back story? Are these the same 4 people who bring this man food? Take him to the toilet every day. Clean him up. Does he live with one of them? Are they family? Are there whole families or groups of people in the background who have supported and cared for this man? A group of children who grew up seeing their parents love in action? Probably. Healing Help Hope These things are found in community. These 4 guys are the heroes here. The upfront people. One day it will be interesting to see who the background heroes are. #loveinaction #community #inthistogether #walkingeachotherhome #gospelofmark
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