October 7, 2013

  • The Lord is Near-- He's Here!

    The Lord is Near– He’s Here!!

    I’ve always been a little jittery about explaining what Paul meant when he said to the Philippian Christians; “The Lord is near” (Phil.4:5b).   I’ve always assumed he was speaking of the 2nd coming of Christ, and how in the world does one explain that after 2000 years, Paul, the Apostle is still  right in saying Jesus’ 2nd coming is still near?  I’ve always tended to skip over that phrase if I could.  But not anymore, not after our last Summer Study Series on the book of Philippians!!  I was bold enough (stupid?) to actually ask the question: “So, what was Paul saying here when he said ‘The Lord is near?’”

    I mean, I don’t think it was 3 seconds and Jonathan was on it like a ‘chicken on a June bug’ (his answer has changed my whole perspective of the entire last chapter of Philippians).  Jonathan trounced on it: “Paul meant that the Lord is near at hand- He is here!”  YES!! -That’s it!  That little phrase has transformed   for me what Paul is attempting to tell the two arguing women (and the other Philippian Christians) in 4:2 and following!

    Paul was saying: “Look, you two women (Euodia and Syntyche) need to settle your differences (v.2).  The Lord is near at hand helping you in this whole matter (v.5b).  Now with this in mind, please do the following for me:” (vs.4-9)

    “Rejoice, and again I say, rejoice!” —-Why? The Lord is near– He’s Here!!

    (If one knows the Lord’s hand is already at work in a difficult relational problem, how difficult can it be to rejoice in the Lord?)

    “Be gentle!”  —-Why? The Lord is near– He’s Here!!

    (If one is aware of the Lord’s intimate involvement, will he/she tend to avoid stupid, crass & insensitive remarks & actions toward the other?)

    “Do not be anxious!” –Don’t worry —–Why? The Lord is near- He’s Here!!

    (Again, can confidence that the Lord is working in such a situation, bring rest to one’s heart?)

    “Pray, Petition, Give Thanks, Request!”  —Why? The Lord is near-He’s Here!!

    (Can awareness of the Lord’s presence, encourage one to ask for wisdom and help in the midst of  that difficulty?)

    “Think…what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable & excellent!”  —–Why? The Lord is near-He’s Here!!

    (Knowing the Lord’s intimate involvement in a hardship permits a positive/productive focus on issues of importance instead of replaying all the nasty details of that relational difficulty.)

    “Follow my instructions & example!”  ——Why? The Lord is near–He’s Here!!

    (Did the Philippians see the wisdom & power of God emerging from the difficulties playing out in Paul’s life as he lived the instructions he was giving them? Surely doing what Paul did would have similar results!)

    The anticipated results?  “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…” (Philippians 4:10-13).  No matter what the difficulty or conflict, contentment comes when one is absolutely convinced the Lord is near at hand–He’s here!  There is no need for frantic or harried superhuman maneuvering, manipulation or heavy handed pressure to insure a desired outcome (which probably won’t occur anyway).  Instead there is rest, peace and the assurance that “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (4:19).

    How may the attitude; The Lord is near–He’s Here!  effect how you live in the midst of the relational problems that you surely are experiencing in your home or neighborhood or place of work or a friendship?

              LAW

    [My daughter (oldest) asked the following question;  "Is this what some would call 'practicing the presence of God'?"  Precisely!!]