Jason constantinoff
on July 9, 2024
11 views
"FOR TO ME."
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21)
I couldn't help but notice this one day in my morning Bible studies how that opening statement is wonderfully structured. Paul said, "FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST," (caps mine) How often I've heard it recited, sung, and probably even quoted this same verse myself as, "FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST," unthinkingly omitting that first "to."
Now, I don't believe that first "to" is there just to fill up space. I believe it's there to show us that Paul had forever MADE UP HIS MIND about what living is really all about. Paul says in no uncertain terms "For TO ME to live is Christ," TO ME! TO ME! "For TO ME to live is Christ," is what Paul knew how life should be lived.
But it wasn't always that way for this great Man of God, was it? It wasn't until that Road to Damascus experience where his heart was opened and he heard that clear voice of the Resurrected and Living Christ. Ah, this is where and when Paul met the Saviour.
The grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus had so wonderfully and completely won this former persecutor and murderer of that first Church, insomuch, that he would never be the same again! At that very moment, Jesus Christ would live His life through Paul.(Galatians 2:20).
In some way, certainly not to the extent of Paul's meeting the Lord, each of us had our own "Road to Damascus" experience. It was the day where and when we walked along that path dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). And we too SHOULD never be the same again because Jesus Christ wants to live His life through us as well.
It could have been recently or in years past. It may have taken place in the darkness of night. It may have occurred during the brightness of a sun lit day. Maybe at home, at a Church, with a friend, or just alone with God.
When or where isn't the important issue. What's important is that it was the day we too, like Paul, met the Saviour and He became for each of us that Pearl of Great Price. He is the Perfect Pattern for our lives, the Supreme Sculptor of our character, and the First Love of our hearts.
Yes friends, He is indeed all that and more, isn't He? Oh, may the SONG of our SOUL be akin to what Paul said centuries ago, "For TO ME to live is Christ,"
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Rachel
Amen
July 9, 2024
Rachel
❤️❤️❤️
July 9, 2024