Today’s Theme for Prayer – Jesus Desires to Save Me
How Do I Allow Jesus to Act Freely in Me?
Phil 3:7-12
[But] whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ. More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ,h the righteousness from God, depending on faith to know him and the power of his resurrection and [the] sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus].
Grace Prayed For
Intimacy with the Crucified and Risen Christ: Pray for a deeper experience of both the suffering and the power of Christ. Ask for the grace to participate in His life, sharing in His sufferings and rejoicing in His resurrection.
Surrendered to Love
This passage from Philippians 3:7-14 is a love letter to Jesus, a passionate declaration of devotion that resonates with raw honesty and deep longing. It’s a passage about surrender, about recognizing the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and the radical reorientation it brings to our lives.
“Whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ.” Imagine Paul, a man of status, education, and religious zeal, looking back on all he once valued and deeming it insignificant compared to the treasure he found in Christ. It’s a powerful image of letting go, of recognizing that nothing in this world can compare to the infinite value of knowing Jesus.
“More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” This isn’t just about giving up material possessions or worldly achievements. It’s about a complete shift in perspective, where our values, ambitions, and desires are redefined in light of Christ. Knowing Him becomes the supreme good, the lens through which we see everything else.
“For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ…” The word “rubbish” here is striking. It conveys the utter worthlessness of everything else compared to the priceless treasure of Christ. It’s a willingness to discard anything that hinders our pursuit of Him, to embrace a life of radical surrender and single-minded devotion.
“…and be found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God, depending on faith…” This speaks to the core of our identity in Christ. We are not defined by our own efforts or achievements, but by our union with Him. Our righteousness is a gift, freely given through faith. This understanding frees us from striving and allows us to rest in His perfect love and acceptance.
“…to know him and the power of his resurrection and [the] sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” This is a journey of transformation, of becoming more like Christ through both joy and suffering. It’s a willingness to participate in His life, to experience the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. It’s a longing for complete union with Him, even unto death.
“It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus].” This reveals the ongoing nature of our journey with Christ. It’s a pursuit, a continual striving to know Him more deeply and become more like Him. But it’s also a confident assurance that we are already His, held securely in His loving embrace.
This passage invites us to examine our own hearts. What “gains” are we holding onto that might be hindering our intimacy with Jesus? Are we willing to consider everything a loss compared to the supreme good of knowing Him? Are we pursuing Him with a single-minded devotion, trusting in His righteousness and embracing the journey of transformation?
May this reflection inspire you to deepen your relationship with Christ, to surrender all that you are and all that you have to the One who is worthy of your complete devotion. May you experience the fullness of His love and the joy of being found in Him.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Cultivating a Hunger for Christ: The phrase “supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” sets the tone for our pursuit. It inspires a longing for intimacy with Him that surpasses all other desires. This hunger fuels our pursuit and draws us closer.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post