Heralds Digest

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory". (Colossians 1:27 NKJV) Being born into the lineage of the king comes with the right to the throne; and the hope of an earthly glory as future king. The Jew would pride in their privileges as children of Abraham, because of the everlasting covenant God had with their fathers. However, the gentile nations are not without hope; albeit through a hidden mystery of God. There are unfathomable riches and inexplicable glory in the redemption story. That aliens to the commonwealth of Israel could be 'born again' to become heirs to the kingdom of God, and access the hope of everlasting glory, remains a mystery.

"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9 NKJV) Untried faith in Jesus Christ is unreliable, or largely, not dependable. While saving faith introduces a soul to the grace that sever the heart from the hold of sins, daily victory over sin and the world requires an abiding faith. This faith believes God and His will enough to doubt all forms of self-will. Since the process of letting down our guards is not easy, Paul had to support the Colossian believers in prayer for a perfect knowledge of God's will. If God allows His children to walk through the fire, He knows nothing else will bring down the expected glory except the heat of the flame. A spirit-filled disciple has no alternative route to the presence of God other than the Master's will.

"Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household". (Philippians 4:21-22 NKJV) Saint's sanctuary appears not defined by a specific building structure located in a defined location. The holy sanctuary represents every heart of man that has been made clean by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is noteworthy that those who live or work in Apostle Paul's prison facility would even qualify to be called saints. Irrespective of privileges that the world gave or took away from them, the invisible sanctuary remains the source of special celebration that cannot be matched by any worldly accomplishment. Access to the presence of the Lord is an entrance to a sanctuary of praise.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) Strength is often misconstrued as the ability to influence the comportment of others, albeit with negligence to the ability to manage self under out-of-control circumstances. Unlike this fake strength, real strength is validated in times of adversity; not during periods of affluence. Needless to say that the source of real strength cannot be based on position, wealth and fame. Sincerely, anyone can command respect when in position of authority; but true honour comes from the ability to manage and accommodate opposition with fairness to our souls. Only strength from the throne of grace can weather the storm of life.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NKJV) Until the God of heaven takes away His children away from this world, children have to learn the best way to accommodate the pollution thereof, without contamination. Where the price for righteousness outshines reward thereof, motivation becomes minimal without sincere meditation. Just like Paul admonished the Philippians to avoid the temptation of getting tricked into unrighteousness, actions and inaction around believers should not be interpreted at their face values. If enhanced spiritual meditation employs efficient sampling mentality for effective system manipulation, there would be a sustainable motivation for the abiding peace of God.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV) Anxiety is an expressed lack of understanding regarding circumstances beyond our immediate control effort. Conversely, it is an exhibited misunderstanding of the perfect knowledge of God and His unwavering full control. While our struggles with out-of-control circumstances are necessary evils, freedom from anxiety is possible with the peace of God. Unlike this kind of peace, the peace of man is limited to the effective management of human resources for improved standard of living. But with divine peace, we can rest in the arms of the Omniscience God even when our understanding fails.

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV) Earthly citizenship comes with both rights and responsibilities; but greater interest is placed on the rights of citizenship compared to its responsibilities, which often lead to social disorderliness and recklessness. However, heavenly citizenship demands greater sense of responsibility to the Lord Jesus Christ. Amidst the chaos in the system of this world, there is an undisturbed path of procession for pilgrims to the palace of glory. Earthly citizenship may offer cheap and faster route to wealth and fame, the narrow road for heavenly citizens is superior in terms of its safety and eternal glory.