In the book of Philippians, Paul gives us three great hopes. I want to look at one of those hopes each of the next three days. So today we want to consider that:

We have a great hope to be with Jesus. In Philippians 1:21, Paul says to die is gain, and v23 makes clear why death is gain: because we go to be with Jesus. That is Paul’s hope: to be with Jesus. He says it is better than life, echoing the Psalmist who said of God, “Your steadfast love is better than life” (Psalm 63:3). Paul desires to be with Jesus. Is that your desire? Does your heart resonate with this great hope to be with Jesus? To be with the one who took on flesh as a little baby for you? To be with the one who died a cruel death on a cross for you? To be with the one who rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and reigns as your King? One day we will be with him. That is our great hope.

But until then, we must live for Jesus. Paul desires to be with Jesus, but until then he says: “to live is Christ” (v21). And as the verses progress, it becomes clear that this means fruitful labor for Christ in serving God’s people for their growth and for the glory of God (v22-26). In other words, until the day we go to be with Jesus, we have work to do. Each of us has gifts and abilities God has given to us to serve God’s people for their growth and God’s glory. Some will teach. Some will lead. Different ones will be involved in different ministries. All of us in our own ways can care for, encourage, and help one another. And we can pray for one another, even when our age and health allow us to do nothing else. Don’t coast into heaven. If you are here, God has a purpose for you. And at least part of that purpose is to live for Jesus serving God’s people for their growth and God’s glory.

We have a great hope to be with Jesus. Until then, live for Jesus.