PHILIPPIANS 1:12–26
A siren rang outside a boy’s house, warning of a dangerous storm. His mother explained that if people did not take cover, they might die. The boy, unacquainted with the sound, questioned why it was bad, arguing that if we die, we might meet Jesus.
Paul expressed his desire to depart and be with Christ, which he believed was better by far. Despite being under house arrest, his statement was not driven by despair but rather by the gospel’s spread. Paul was torn between his desire for life and death, as continuing to live would mean “fruitful labour,” while dying would provide a special closeness with Christ, as being absent from our bodies means being home with the Lord.
For believers in Jesus Christ, regardless of our lives or deaths, we win, as living is Christ and dying is gain (Philippians 1:21).
