Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Stars in His Eyes

From my Bible study guide on Philippians 2:14-16 - I find it extremely meaningful and thought-provoking!
To be a star in God's eyes demands no heroic exploits except the major feats of not grumbling or complaining! Is that all, we may ask? But be honest, how many churches would be transformed if we stopped griping and disputing among ourselves.

Even more serious is to grumble in front of unbelievers for this, as Oswald Chambers pointed out, is to cast a slur on the reputation of God!

If we now return to the text and dig beneath the surface, we may detect significant Old Testament references. Paul's words seem clearly to echo the tiresome attitude of the children of Israel in the wilderness, which so severely put God to the test (Numbers 14:27; 16:41; 17:5,10, cf. 1 Corinthians 10:10). But, as Daniel hoped, one day the 'righteous will shine like the stars' (Daniel 12:3).

The darkness in which the stars appear is defined as the 'perverse and crooked generation' - a term once applied to a rebellious Israel (Deuteronomy 32:5, NKJV) - now ironically applied to the society in which the Philippians are called to shine.

As Christians we can trace a continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times. Their story is meant to challenge us to live with uncomplaining patience and to hold firm the Word of Life by believing and testifying to its truth.

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