December 30, 2022“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” As we approach the end of 2022, we can look back at what has happened, including Christmas, and we can look forward to what will take place, including New Year’s Day, should the Lord tarry. This reminds me of the words of the apostle Paul: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).
Growing up in Quebec, I learned at an early age that many people love hockey. Fans of the “Bleu, Blanc, Rouge” (the colours of the Montreal Canadiens) would cheer on their favourite team, cheering whenever one of them scored a goal. When I was 17, I trusted in Christ Jesus as my personal Saviour and discovered the importance of living for God and loving His Word. I still enjoy watching hockey, especially when my grandson is playing, but realize that there are goals in life that do not involve a puck.
In his Study Bible, Dr. David Jeremiah notes: “Christians who long to finish well will cultivate: (1) the discipline of focus – striving for the single goal (the one thing) until its completion, undeterred by obstacles or the taunts of the crowd; (2) the discipline of forgetting – refusing to be paralyzed or rendered complacent by the past; (3) the discipline of following – intensely pursuing the calling of the Christian life until victory has been won (Philippians 1:27; 2:16, 30; Luke 19:17; 1 Cor. 2:9; 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8).
Paul is not satisfied to rest on his laurels. He must move forward toward God’s plan, purpose, and prize (Luke 9:62; 1 Cor. 9:24; 1 Tim. 6:12, 19; Heb. 6:1). To apprehend means ‘to lay hold of, pull down.’ In contemporary terms, picture a football player who runs someone down from behind and tackles him. This is how Christians should pursue righteousness.”
As we prepare to celebrate the New Year, let’s remember what the Lord has done for us in 2022 and previous years and let’s anticipate what we will learn as we walk with Him in 2023. May we be faithful followers of Christ, declaring His glory wherever we go.
Scripture for the weekend: “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)
Thought for the weekend: “God knows your circumstances right now. He knows the various troubles you’re experiencing – those that come and go and those that come and stay. In fact, when God the Son walked this earth, He endured the same kinds of trials, temptations, and sufferings we endure. Because God calls us His children (see John 1:12; Romans 8:14), I can assure you that He will faithfully lead you by the hand though the darkest valley (see Psalm 23:4).” – Charles R. Swindoll (from his book “Clinging to Hope”)