Today's Devotion: ¹⁰ I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Php 3:9-11) Paul is saying that, to be Christ-like includes participating in the Resurrection, as well as the suffering. This is the goal for which Paul, I believe, is striving.

Today's Comments: It is clearly obvious from the teaching of scripture that the act of Christ's resurrection extended not just to one man, but it was an act for all men--- so that all men could participate in the resurrection to eternal life. Even though we cannot achieve perfection, we can strive to be Christ-like so that we know and understand not only the power of God's actions but also the love that God has for His creation. Paul wrote this letter from Rome and expressed the willingness not only to share the good things that come from God's love, but the suffering that comes from our love and devotion to God. Paul would soon be granted that wish. We, too, should be willing to share both the joys and the suffering that set us aside as followers of Jesus Christ.