It never touched my heart!

When the Apostle Paul was nearing his 70th birthday, he was composing one of his last letters (to the Philippians) while sitting in front of a roughhewn desk, chains on his feet, and a Roman soldier at his side.  While he is awaiting a court hearing from the highest Roman court, he is confined here, hoping to be released but believing that he may be very near to the edge of Nero’s sword.  Occasionally he overhears noises from the street, including a skeptic who draws occasional laughter from the curious by mimicking Paul’s preaching.  Timothy is such a comfort to Paul, but soon he must leave for Ephesus, and hopefully he will be able to bring back Paul’s warmer coat before winter.

     We might expect, by reviewing Paul’s situation, and his explanation of his chains, and his desire to be released, that Paul would be asking for sympathy, or pity or more help!  Instead, the theme he repeats over and over is joy.  “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  (Phil. 4:4)   “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me…” (4:10)  “ So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy…”  (2:29).

     Were I to trade places with him, I wonder if my attitude would stay as positive as his was.  I do understand why Paul began remembering and taking joy in the memories and faces of people he loved, as his circumstances worsened.   “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” (4:1)
   

     The past two weeks, I have watched the confinement that comes with growing old or infirmed and what it does to people.  Some remain cheerful, positive, and engaging while others withdraw, grow inward and sometimes bitter.  They are ‘chained’ by their circumstance, and their attitude.  But don’t you just love to visit with people under stress, and/or pain, who also have the joy of Jesus on their faces?

I remember reading a story from Our Daily Bread years ago that illustrates what Paul is modeling for us:  A young man who was badly handicapped by a crippling disease attended Bible classes at Moody Bible College.  Despite his progressing disease, confinement to a wheelchair and its discomfort, he had an amazing attitude that was so engaging and inspirational to his fellow students.  One day a classmate asked him, “Why are you so cheerful and positive when life is so difficult?”  He quickly responded, “Oh that’s easy.  The disease never touched my heart!” 

         I am praying that his attitude becomes true more often for all of us!    

Pastor Jim B

 ’47 / ’56  St Charles MN