Paul concludes his prayer for the Philippian Christians with expressions of abundance. His clear hope is that absolutely all will be well with them. He hopes that they will be overflowing with love, that they will be incredibly perceptive, and that they will do many good things for God and in God’s name. I wonder what impact that prayer had on them and then, through them, on the world around them. I wonder how great a difference we make in the circles in which we move because we are reflecting the love and light of Christ.
This passage, and prayer, reflects the generous abundance of God’s blessings. There is no holding back. It is not about good stuff, but about the best.
What is interesting in the context of the times is that Paul, who would undoubtedly be seen as leader, is here praying for those who are under his leadership. The expectation would be of that being the other way round. This is effectively, and subtly, an example of Jesus’ reversed approach. The last will be first, and the first will be last. Paul is giving them a real role. He prays that they will discern what is best. As Elsa Tamez (Philippians) points out, “Power relations leaned towards the leader. Members of a movement could pray among themselves for their leader, but it is doubtful that they could tell him directly what they thought he needed to do.”
The kind of relationship that is indicated here demonstrates the different approach of Christianity. Paul does not relinquish his God-given leadership, but he does see it in an unconventional way, recognising the contribution of those he leads and the ways in which they engage in partnership. If and where we are called to leadership, I wonder how we exercise that leadership. I wonder how we relate to those with whom we engage. I wonder what we pray for others. I wonder how we understand the models of leadership provided by Jesus and by Paul.
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