For the apostle Paul there was no greater joy in his life than “knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”! (Philippians 3:8) For Paul had been a very zealous Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus, a very passionate man about God’s Law & a great opponent of the followers of Jesus.
We know from Paul’s own words in Acts 26 that he imprisoned believers and even consented to their deaths. But then, on his way to Damascus, a great light shone upon him at noonday, brighter than the sun, and it was Jesus! (Acts 9) And there the Lord confronted Saul with his wicked deeds, and then raised him up to be His instrument for taking the good news of salvation to a fallen and needy world.
Yes, Saul – now called Paul – was a changed man. And if you read Philippians 3 you’ll get a very powerful testimony of what God did in Paul’s life. For he was a man that had it all: a great education, exemplary obedience to God’s Law, an enviable Jewish lineage, so many reasons to boast (vv.4-6). But compared to knowing Christ, it was nothing. Literally rubbish!
For Paul learned that it’s not your good deeds or obedient life that assures you of being right with God, but by believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. It’s by trusting in the One who bore your sin on the cross, paid your eternal debt and has risen victorious from the dead! That’s where our comfort in life and in death is found. And so what could be more wonderful than “knowing” Christ more in your life? Paul says in v.10, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection…”
How is it with you? Do you, like Paul, know the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus? Do you have peace in your heart, and that in life or in death, you belong to Him? Maybe Good Friday and Easter are times of the year when we think more of such things than at other times? We hear about the suffering of Jesus on the cross, we hear about His death, but also about His resurrection. But could it all be real? Could it be true what the Bible says? And if it is, how can it benefit me? Many people ask that.
Well, friend, the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is true! And the benefit is if Jesus has arisen, then that means He has been victorious in paying for our sin. Therefore, when I believe in Him, I can be assured that all of His saving benefits are now mine. Is that your comfort? I hope it is.
For there is nothing greater than knowing Jesus and the power of His resurrection in your life!
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Rev. Ancel Merwin serves as pastor at the Immanuel United Reformed Church in Listowel.
