Thursday 04 January 2024

Psalm 103

Background

Paul is writing this letter to the small church community in the wealthy Roman colony of Philippi, a town founded by veterans of the Roman army. It was the first church established in Europe and Paul’s attachment was strong. At the time of writing, Paul is in prison; whether in Ephesus, or more probably in Rome, is a subject of scholarly debate. What is certain is that church members had sent a gift to Paul, and one of the purposes of this letter is to thank them. However, Paul has somehow heard that there may some disunity in the church, possibly resulting from spiritual pride. Today’s reading is intended to remind the fellowship of the importance of unity and humility. Their example, their focus, should simply be Jesus Christ.

I well remember as a local preacher on trial for just a couple of months, turning up at a district synod in Sierra Leone, to be informed I would be leading the opening devotions due to start in ten minutes! A minister saw my panic-stricken face and suggested today’s reading; he informed me that it was always relevant, at any time and with any church group, but he also said to be sure to include verses 12 and 13 as well. I have had reason to follow this wise advice many times since!

Paul writes in this lovely passage  a hymn of praise that deflects us from our own self-importance and turns us towards Christ Jesus. Speaking from prison and facing possible death, Paul himself points to the inspirational example of Jesus. “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.” (v. 8). The challenge in those words is clear; if Christ can be obedient to his heavenly Father, to make the ultimate sacrifice, why are you in this church getting so upset with each other about trivial matters?

Verses 9 to 11 then take the reader to another level. It is because of Jesus’ obedience, and because of his humility in subordinating his own importance in order to serve and save humanity, that Jesus should be followed. But that is not all; in the deep agape love that Jesus the Son demonstrates and embodies, is revealed the supreme characteristic of God the Father. This in turn transforms followers into worshippers “and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (v. 11) And for the full glory of God to be revealed, worshippers become imitators as they live their daily lives.

To Ponder:

• You might like to reflect on this idea from the 19th century evangelist FB Meyer: “I used to think that God’s gifts were on shelves one above the other and the taller we grew in Christian character the more easily we could reach them. I now find that God’s gifts are on shelves one beneath the other and that it is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower.” 
• The past year has seen conflicts in too many places and aroused emotions in all of us. Today’s suggested hymn is 'God is love' (103 in the Methodist hymnbook 'Singing the Faith') and a good starting point for prayer might be verse 2: “God is love: and he, enfolding all the world in one embrace, with unfailing grasp is holding every child of every race.” With humility, what might we do today to help God bring about peace in our world?