April 8, 2025

Today's Reading: Philippians 3:4b-7, 8-14

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 2:23-3:22; Mark 14:53-72

“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)

In the name + of Jesus. Amen.   

For better or for worse, there are situations in life that play by the rule, “It’s all about who you know.” If you want to get a job, a promotion, or simply have privileges granted to you that others do not have, it can be very beneficial to know the right people.   

But reader beware, it is a finicky two-edged sword. Knowing the right person can, indeed, open many doors for you that would otherwise be shut. Knowing the wrong person can cause a lot of damage to your reputation.    

We often live as though having the right connection benefits us. And let’s be clear about this: Nothing depends on our ability to acquire the right knowledge or know the right earthly people in order to be saved. Be reminded of the explanation of the 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Luther leads us to confess: I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.   

It IS about knowing the right person. But it doesn’t mean what you think it means. We must know the one who knows each one of us, who knows us by name! We must know Him who calls to us through Scripture and brings us into His fold.   

It is that knowledge that leads Paul to confidently speak as he does in our reading from Philippians today. “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:8-11).    

It is FAR better to know Christ and reject the world than to be known by the world and be lost for all eternity. What is amazing and brings the best comfort is that even before we had a chance to know Him, from the foundation of the world, He knew us and saved us. 

In the name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to life eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect of the Day: Proper 15: Series B)

-Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!