Season 1- episode 17

Beautiful Surrender: He Has My Yes

Part 3: The Lifestyle of Surrendering.

Chapter 16: In Any And Every

"It is here I want to focus on the remainder of this chapter. I want us to reflect on the last two chapters of the letter that this man, Paul, wrote to the church in Philippi.

In this first section of the letter we see Paul placing himself on a metaphoric trial against those who are making accusations against him and preaching a distorted/evil gospel. In an almost sarcastic manner, he expresses how his life could easily measure up to their standards of living, but how in his perspective he counts these status markers  as rubbish compared to knowing Jesus. Paul almost echoes the words of Moses in this beautiful declaration of love and devotion to Jesus. Moses during his time of exodus says he refuses to lead Israel anywhere unless God promises to be with him. This was also similar to King David’s own plea with God during his cry for forgiveness after killing a man and sleeping with his wife. David’s famous words were “cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” Although Paul is not repenting in this letter, he is revealing something deep within his heart. He absolutely loves being with Jesus regardless of how the world affirms or accuses him. He counts it all loss and meaningless compared to the fulfillment he has in knowing Jesus Christ personally. The “knowing” that Paul is talking about is almost in terms of the intimacy of ‘knowing’ a person. Paul is saying he has tasted and seen what the religious world has to offer and he counts all of it as nothing compared to the intimacy he shares with knowing Jesus. This is an incredible insight into what a lifestyle of surrendering is really all about.

This lifestyle of surrendering is about finding fulfillment in knowing Jesus intimately and deeper as the moments turn to days, months and years of obedience to His will. There is a fruit that comes from this deep root but the fulfillment ultimately lies within getting to know Jesus personally and intimately. I often say that I am so thankful that when I die, I will not need to be introduced to Jesus for I know who He is, and I have had so many beautiful experiences with Him. Yet even though there will be no need for introductions, I will spend the rest of eternity worshiping Him and getting to know Him in even deeper ways. I pray that the wonder and curiosity I have for knowing Him will never run dry for He is infinitely beautiful."

Thanks for listening!