Gladness in the shadow of execution

Reading: Philippians 1:18b-20

If you were in prison waiting to see whether your impending trial would result in execution, what would you be obsessing about? Personally, I would be preoccupied with the trial and my defence.  Indeed, thoughts about my defence would be the tip of the ice berg in a very turbulent sea of emotions. And in such circumstances, nobody would be too surprised if one were in turmoil. But if one claimed to be awash with feelings of gladness and delight, the lawyers would be looking no further for a line of defence! “This guy is mad,” they would exclaim, “let’s claim insanity”.

Yet Paul, though facing the very real possibility of an imminent execution, was rejoicing. Why was Paul rejoicing? Well, Paul was preoccupied with something that he gave precedence over his defence: whether he would be able to glorify God right to the end or not. To declare the fame of God was Paul’s “earnest expectation and hope” (v20). Paul did not want to be “put to shame in anything” (v20), for that would have tarnished the reputation of the God he represented. No, Paul wanted Christ be “exalted in [his] body, whether by life or death” (v20)?

Paul’s example reminds us that there is a close link between joy and a passion for God’s glory. If I am consumed by self-interest, I will be miserable. But if I live for the renown of God, my heart will burn with an unquenchable gladness.

Cheers for now - Ian