Bible Reading: 2 Chro.3; Phil 3:1-10.
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” – Philippians 3:8 (KJV).
In our school days then, the last day at school was always a glorious day for excellent students. Every one that won a prize based on performance in the school subjects would be called out and given those prizes publicly. It was usually a day of pride for both the pupil and the parents/ guardians. It was always a day that every pupil liked to be celebrated. However, only a few who did exceptionally well were celebrated. In most cases, the celebration had a cost or price attached to it. This cost included taking time to study the subjects so that you will excel in the examination. Such celebrations lasted for a few days to, at most, a few months after which another round of prizes were expected to be distributed.
This is similar to our Christian race. We are all expected to pay a price to have a deep knowledge of Christ. The more price you are willing to pay in form of time, dedication and commitment to develop your relationship with Jesus, the more you are likely to have a deeper knowledge of Him. No wonder Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:8 (KJV): “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” He was brutalized, lost his position and status in the society of Pharisees just to know Christ! And Christ revealed more of himself to him such that he wrote the largest number of books in the New Testament! How much of Christ do you want to know? How well do you want Jesus Christ to perform exploits through you depends on how much sacrifice of your time, resources, comfort, relationship among others you are willing to give.
The Lord Jesus himself says in Matthew 19:29 (KJV): “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”
Prayer: Father give me the grace to pay appropriate sacrifice for me to know you in the mighty name of Jesus.
Brother Biodun Oyapero