Second Sunday in Lent

Many years ago I began a sales career. I needed few things: appropriate attire, a respectable looking automobile, and a good map. Thomas Brothers’ Maps, were in my opinion, the best. Nowadays many of use the GPS Maps App on our smartphones.

The other day I had an occasion to use mine. I was meeting a collogue in ministry for lunch in Hastings, MN. I have never spent any time in Hasting and know nothing about the town, much less where things like Restaurants happen to be.

So I took my phone, typed in the name of the place we were meeting, and voila, in under five seconds it plotted three potential routes. Not only did it give me the three, it also included the milage and time it would take to get there. But the best part, it told me—based on traffic—which route was “the Fastest.” With shortcuts and all, I knew what time I had to leave to be there by 12 Noon.

It takes determination to explore every avenue—including shortcuts—to reach your destination.

The destination for every Christian, however, is eternity. And the route has been laid out for us by our Lord, Jesus. You see, being a Christian means much more than acknowledging the Cross as the only path to eternity and heaven; that is just the beginning. It means living and following the examples of faith and godliness of those who have gone before us; the supreme example being Christ Jesus himself. No shortcuts here. Instead, a resolute determination to stand firm against the mighty current of the world full of people going in different directions than where Christ is leading.

Our epistle reading from Philippians points us in the right direction, while warning of the hazards at the same time. Three simple things to remember: Look Out!; Look In!; and Look Up!.

Dear friends in Christ,

Stand Firm in following the example of Christ from death to eternity, always aware that the Enemies of the Cross will seek to destroy.

Look Out for the World (vv. 18, 19)

Philippians 3:18–19 (NKJV)

18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

Why? Because of the Enemies of Christ

Their god is the belly — their sick appetites.

They may not necessarily be against the cross, but they certainly want it their way.

They talk of the cross, but deny its very power in their lives.

And with tears, I say that some are part of the clergy ranks. (Rome, Protestant)

The world is one of the biggest enemies of the cross

They may acknowledge that you are a Christian, but they will DEMAND that we give them greater priority.

They reduce Christian convictions down to mere traditions that you can take or leave.

Maybe not overtly, but the goal of the enemies of the cross is to destroy the faith.

Look Into the Word (vv. 17, 20)

Philippians 3:17–20 (EHV)

17 Brothers, join together in imitating me and in paying attention to those who are walking according to the pattern we gave you.

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. We are eagerly waiting for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Look Up to the Lord (vv. 21; 4:1)

Philippians 3:21–4:1 (EHV)

21 By the power that enables him to subject all things to himself, he will transform our humble bodies to be like his glorious body. 1 So then, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way keep standing firm in the Lord, my dear friends.

Our Lord Jesus said it best: John 10:10 “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

The route that our Lord has plotted for us is full of hazards because all shortcuts have been crushed, but the the glories of eternity make the journey worth the ride. So, look out for the world; look into the Word; and Look up to the Lord.