Wedding of Carl & Suzelle
Philippians 2
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
The consolation in Christ Jesus
Yesterday (19 Aug) a black man arrived at the mission, in a very bad state. It looked like he hadn’t eaten or washed for days. He was very troubled. He spoke to one of the counsellors and told his story. He had been convicted of great crimes and escaped from jail a few weeks before. He heard of KwaSizabantu Mission in jail and was told that he would receive help there. Because the police were looking for him, he couldn’t make use of regular transport and had to go through bush and vale to get here. He cleansed his life thoroughly and confessed his sins one by one. When he was finished, he spoke of the burden of sin that was lifted from his shoulders and the unspeakable joy and peace he had found. When he was asked what more could be done for him, he replied that he would like to be handed over to the police again, as he had now found what he was looking for his whole life. When the police arrived, they said they’d never experienced anything like it in their entire lives. This man found consolation in Jesus Christ. From now on he can rejoice in whatever circumstances he may find himself in.
Paul also knew the consolation of Jesus Christ. He wrote the letter to the Philippians from jail. Paul wasn’t a thief or liar. He was in bonds because of the Gospel. Paul’s circumstances were difficult. However, he was able to conquer and rejoice because of this life he had in Jesus Christ – no matter the circumstances. Paul wrote here that we too must rejoice at all times!
When the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins and we confess and forsake them and are washed by the Blood of Jesus, then we shall experience the true comfort of the Holy Spirit. To those who love God, all things work together for good. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know Him who holds the future. When Jesus departed, His disciples were sorrowful. Jesus said to them, ‘It is expedient for you that I go, for when I depart, the Comforter will come – the Holy Spirit’.
In verse 2 we read, “Fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind”. God’s people can live in this world of sin and in the devil’s domain, being ‘likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.’ It is a foretaste of heaven, when God’s people dwell together in such unity. Such a life is completely dedicated to God. That life and Spirit which was in Christ Jesus must also be in you. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:22-33, how men and women should live towards each other in marriage, and then wrote, “I say this in respect to Christ and the church”. So we must keep our eyes on Christ Jesus. Get the centre right, and the circumference will take care of itself.
Never forget this word – bind it on your heart; then you will be able to encourage others to rejoice in the Lord at all times.