“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord—for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Philippians 3:7-9

Never has there been a better, more inequitable, exchange than this one.

The earthly for the Eternal.

That’s the essence of Paul’s testimony in today’s Manna where he talks about “suffering the loss of all things and counting them as loss (Grk. ‘demia’—‘damage, detriment, obsolete, etc.’) or dung (Grk. ‘skubalon’—‘refuse, garbage, scraps for dogs, etc.’) for the excellency of knowing Christ.”

Yet, in his discussion there is no hint of a twinge of regret or remorse. In times past he prided himself on his bloodline, religiosity, zeal, self-righteousness, etc. (vv.4-6). But, after meeting the Risen Lord on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-9) everything changed.

His understanding of Who God is and what He desires changed. His view of self and religious service changed. His values and priorities changed. His priorities, purpose and passions changed.

“. . .But where sin abounded, Grace did much more abound.”

Romans 5:20b

No wonder it’s called “Amazing.”

Grace.

We speak much about it; the question is “Do we rest in it?” Although we define it as “The unmerited favor of God,” we know a more commonly-understood definition is “The Love of God that cannot be earned.”

Taken from the Greek word “charis,” which means “gracious, benefit, joy, pleasure, gratitude, etc.,” Grace is that condescending Love of God that reaches down to the sinful likes of you and me. It is a seeking Love. . .that pursues us before we ever think of seeking Him. It is a saving Love. . . that exchanges our wretchedness for His righteousness. It is a sanctifying Love . . .that transforms us from the inside out by Jesus’ indwelling Presence. It is a sustaining Love . . .that promises to “never leave us or forsake us” (Heb. 13:5b). It is a sufficient Love. . .that meets all of our needs in every way, teaching us “His strength is made perfect in our weakness” (II Cor. 12:9-10).

But, above all, it is an “abiding, abounding Love.”

Paul’s words in today’s Manna talk of God’s Grace, which the great hymn of faith calls “Marvelous Grace—Grace that is greater than our sin.” Hallelujah!! When we realize the Greek word “pleonazo” is used for “abound” and also means “to increase, be more and more, multiply, etc.,” we realize it perfectly describes our propensity for sin.

“I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone. My soul failed when he spoke; I sought him, but I could not find him. I called him, but he gave me no answer.”

Song of Solomon 5:6

Anyone who’s ever loved knows the heartache of separation—especially in the spiritual realm; but we need never fear that our Lover will ever abandon or forget us.

Do the words of today’s Manna strike a chord in your heart, dear Pilgrim? Has there ever been a time when the words of the anonymous bride of Solomon became your own? If so, you know full well their meaning and the agony of soul from which they rise.

Most of us spend little time in the Song of Solomon. And, assuredly, we seldom hear any messages preached from it in our churches.

Part of it is the explicit imagery expressed within its short eight chapters; however, we’d do well to spend some time in this intriguing love song of Solomon. While it’s clear his latter life became quite immoral and idolatrous because of his having 700 wives and 300 concubines, this small book is a beautiful one. It’s an allegory of Israel as God’s espoused bride (Hos. 2:19-20); however, it’s also a beautiful picture of Christ and His Bride, the Church.

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings, that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world—holding forth the Word of Life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.”

Philippians 2:14-16

Although our “light” (influence, witness) may be weak, it’s still better than no light at all.

Picture yourself in a crowded room with no windows when the electricity goes out. Everyone immediately begins to panic and someone cries, “Does anyone have a light?” You do—either a small penlight or cigarette lighter. The question is, “Will you let your light shine or keep it hidden in your pocket?”

Or, imagine yourself deep down in the bowels of the earth with several other folks. You’re all spelunkers and enjoy exploring those deep caverns. There’s a cave-in and the falling rocks smash everyone’s headlights. A few of your friends are injured—and it’s only then that they begin to cry out, “Did anyone bring a backup battery? I forgot mine!” You forgot yours, too, but did remember to bring a small emergency candle. Will you pull it out and begin singing “This little light of mine; I’m going to let it shine” as you light it to their delight and relief?

Oh, dear Pilgrim, those are simple—yea, even seemingly trite—illustrations, but they capture the essence and urgency set forth in today’s Manna. Written in response to Who Jesus is and what He came to do (vv.5-11), they remind us of our purpose here on earth: “To fulfill our role as sons of God and salt/light in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.”

“Wherefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a Name which is above every name—that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven and things in earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11

There’s never been another one like it.

Jesus.

How casually we say His Name and even put it on bumper stickers, lapel pins, drinking glasses, etc. In fact, marketing agencies learned a long time ago the selling value of the Name for their products. But, making it so commonplace may very well lead to complacency and contempt.

We should never forget God Himself “gave Him this Name above every name.” This Greek form of His Name comes from the Hebrew name “Joshua,” which means “The Lord is salvation,” and was originally Hoshea/Hosea, which means “Deliverance or Salvation” (Num. 13:8, 16). This was later changed by Moses to Jehoshua (Num. 13:16; I Chron. 7:27), which then became Joshua. And, after the Exile, it was further changed to Jeshua/Yeshua, which had become Jesus by the time He was born in Bethlehem.

Regardless, it was no accident the Heavenly Father Himself chose the earthly Name for His “only begotten Son” when He sent Him (Lk. 1:31). He knew the Jews usually chose a name that revealed one’s character—and what better name to describe Who Jesus was/is and the work He would do than “The Lord is Salvation”? Hallelujah!!