“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I have read it hundreds of times. But I never saw this before. That’s one of the most amazing things about the Bible: Every time I read it, there is more, every time, I learn.
Today, I would like for us to focus on the last clause: “for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
When Jesus died on the cross, he wasn’t thinking about ya’ll. He was thinking about YOU!!!
Christ died thinking about YOU!!! Christ Jesus took hold of you, and it was you that Jesus had in mind when he suffered the penalty of Calvary.
Jesus didn’t die for you just for any reason. He died for you for a very particular reason. God created you with your exact personality, your particular traits, your gifts and talents. Christ died for you and this gospel took hold of you through the Holy Spirit because God knew our world would need a church with someone just like you so that God can establish his Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
You are uniquely loved by God. God’s love for you is like no other.
Don’t you know? You are amazing! There is a service and a ministry you were not only born for, but saved for.
If you are already serving Christ in some capacity through his church, “Thank you! Thank you for doing what you were created and saved for.”
If you are not serving Christ in some capacity through his church, let’s talk. I would love to have a conversation with you about your gifts, talents, and passions to see how God can put you to good use for his Kingdom and glory. I mean it. Give me a call. Send me an email. In fact you can call or email Pastor Brad, Bill, or me. We would love to have this conversation with you.
You are amazing. You were who Jesus had in mind when he suffered on the cross. He took a hold of you and he will never let you go. You are never alone for Christ is with you.
Praxis: Faith in Action 