Devotion Corner

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

The wonderful love of God as visible through blessed fellowship between brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, bookends this beautiful and encouraging verse as seen in Philippians chapter 4 verse 1. 

Those who are beloved of the Lord God, and as a result beloved by all true followers of the Lord Jesus, are so cherished because they are standing fast in the Lord. Those who live their lives holding onto and defending the blessed Pure Word of God, are those who are most keenly embraced by the Lord. He embraces them so mightily because their defence of His Word is the outworking of their deeply held love for Him. For who can claim that they truly love Christ Jesus, if they are happy to compromise or dilute His Word?! If they are prepared to do so, then they are stating by their actions the contents of their heart towards Him, and that they consider some elements of His Word to be not truly pleasing, not so desirable, not so true, not so eternal and life giving. 

Such a manner reflects a heart that is not fully surrendered to the supreme authority of the Word of God, and thus the authority given unto the Son by the Father. However, those who do stand fast and remain strong in their defence of the Lord, His Word and the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ, they are the ones who shall enjoy the sweet and full embrace of God Almighty. It is they who are fully understanding of His glorious nature, and so they are apt and ready to be declared the beloved of both God and His humble, faithful servants. 

Let us seek to have our hearts stand fast in the Lord each day. If we do so, calling on His faithfulness, strength and grace to enable us to do so, then we can rest in joyful thanksgiving that we are embraced with the fullest and purest love in all existence. We can rest knowing that we are held in the arms of God and called beloved of Him. 

Then in His wondrous mercy and blessing, we can go about our days in eagerness and steadfastness of faith, living out our faith joyfully knowing that in such humble but thankful service of the King of kings, we are beloved of the brethren also. All such souls are greatly blessed, for they are blessed of redeemed man, and eternal God. Amen.