… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
— PHILIPPIANS 3:10–11 —
Rogelio Espinosa Huerta: Word of Grace Biblical Seminary | Mexico
Paul wanted to know Christ. His identification with Christ’s death involved a costly obedience that was not always easy, but his identification with Christ’s resurrection assured him that it would all be worth it in the end. Our union with Christ is no different. When we suffer according to God’s plan, we are simply following in the footsteps of our Savior, first to the cross, then to the grave, and finally to the sky above. It brings new desires that control us and drive us to higher aspirations. We learn to know Christ and identify with Him even when our obedience, like His, leads to suffering. During our Christian life of service, we will have victories and failures, joys, and griefs. But we should never forget that the best part is ahead. We must continue with our eyes set on Christ, longing to know Him, always remembering that obedient conformity to Christ (even unto death) brings great reward. It brings eternal life! How is it possible for a Christian to be more and more like Christ? The only way is to know Him more. Make it a goal today to spend more time with Him, to read more of His word, and to seek obedience even when it is difficult, and even if it leads to suffering. When we suffer according to God’s plan, we are simply following in the footsteps of our Savior, first to the cross, then to the grave, and finally to the sky above. May we lay everything aside in order to know Christ and the power of His resurrection!
