PHILIPPIANS 2:18

“You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”

Can you recall the most exciting thing to ever happen to you? Many of us would say it was that hole-in-one we shot at the golf course or maybe catching that ten pound bass. Ladies, it might be your wedding day or the birth of a child. I have had a lot of exciting events in my life, but I can still recall the moment I received Jesus as my Savior. I remember where I was standing in the choir loft of First Baptist Church of Pelham, GA. So, what do you do with the event? You tell everyone about it.

Paul had just said in verse 17 that he wanted to share his joy with the Philippians. Now, he asks them to share their joy with him. The phrase “share your joy” is one Greek word, sugchairó. This word is used in Luke 1:58 when Elizabeth’s neighbors rejoiced with her at the birth of John. It is used in Luke 15:6 in the parable of the lost sheep when the owner said to his friends, “‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost!’” And then used three verses later by the woman when she found her lost coin.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes shares this story which explains what Paul meant:

“A brave Athenian returned from the battle of Marathon, bleeding with wounds and exhausted, and rushed into the presence of the magistrates, and uttered only these two words – χαιρετε (chairete), χαιρομεν (chairomen) – ‘rejoice, we rejoice,’ and immediately expired. So Paul felt that there was occasion for him, and for all whom he loved, to rejoice, if he was permitted to die in the cause of others, and in such a manner that his death would benefit the world.”

I hope you have such joy. Death for a follower of Christ is cause for joy, not sorrow. Sure, we will be missed by our loved ones. But heaven holds such promise for us who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Paul knew that, so he told the Philippians to rejoice in his suffering, his potential sacrifice. He wanted to hear from them also how they were rejoicing in their own suffering.

Back to the exciting event in your life. I hope you can join me in agreeing that the most exciting event in our lives should be our salvation and our daily walk with Him. What? You’re not excited? You haven’t told anyone about it? Join with me in my joy and share your joy with others.

I agree with David when he said, “Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.” Let me share my joy with others.

And to all you mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day!