As Paul the apostle
commended the Philippian church members for attending to his needs by
sending a gift, he told them that God would supply all their “need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. In
Philippians chapter four and verse twenty Paul gives the credit and
glory to the one to whom all glory should be given where we read:
Now unto God and our
Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The verse begins, “Now
unto God and our Father...” Paul
gives two titles to the one he directs his attention towards at this
point in his letter. First, he wrote, “unto
God”
which is the Greek word “theos” and means “the
Godhead, trinity, God the Father, the first person in the
trinity, Christ, the second person of the trinity, Holy Spirit, the
third person in the trinity, and is spoken of the only and true God”,
Secondly Paul calls Him “our Father” which is “pater”
or “the originator and transmitter of anything, one who stands in a
father's place and looks after another in a paternal way, and a title
of honor”. Not only does Paul draw the Philippians' attention
toward their creator God, but also toward their “Father”
in heaven.
The
verse continues, “...be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.” After declaring of whom
he was going to write, Paul exalts Him by saying “be
glory for ever and ever. Amen”.
In other words, “splendor, brightness, a most glorious
condition, and a most exalted state” should be unto God and the
Father “aion” and “aion” or forever and ever more! Then, as
though his declaration is not strong and pointed enough, Paul added
“Amen” which means “so be it, so it is, and so let it be
fulfilled!”
As we think about Paul's
eruption of worship which came from considering the Philippians' care
for him and God's care for the Philippians, we too might be inspired
to give all “glory” to God. If we allow ourselves to
recall all the times the Lord Jesus has supplied our needs, cared for
our afflictions, paid attention to our pain and suffering, we too
will be inclined to burst forth in praise and worship “unto God
and our Father”. So many people attribute their needs being met
by their own efforts and struggling, however it is ultimately the
Lord who furnishes a table sufficient for us. When we rely upon Him
for our every need, we will be inspired to give Him credit and glory
for all the great things He has done. May the Lord help us realize
just how involved our Heavenly Father is in our lives, and when we do
may “Glory be to God” be upon our hearts and lips as we
live before Him in this world.
Next
time Paul begins to give his final salutations to the Philippians,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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