I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]
That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].Philippians 3:10-11 (Amplified)
I have been reflecting on this verse in each of those translations and wondering how many followers of Christ can sincerely align with Paul’s prayer. Do we long to participate in Christ’s sufferings? Is it our desire to “share” in His sufferings? My guess is that for most of us the answer is an emphatic “NO…!”
In the amplified version I’m even more intrigued with the emphasis on WHY Paul longs to participate in Christ sufferings, “…as to be continually transformed…” Most of us would probably conclude that we don’t want a transformational life that badly…or do we?
No one in their right mind would choose the bed of suffering that Irene continues to “joyfully” endure. She is not in denial; she is not oblivious of the challenge. Yet she faces the ongoing trial with a spiritual strength and underpinning that most would have relented to long ago. “Redemption” in the midst of suffering is the transformational life that Irene demonstrates before us. Her participation in the “sufferings of Christ” is producing spiritual fruit for today and beyond…as many of us observe with humility and grace. It is unexplainable and beyond comprehension, how one can continue to face the unyielding, 24/7 onslaught without concluding the powerful manifestation of Christ’s love that is in our midst.
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Thanks for caring,
Dave
