Jesus died as a substitute for sin. All who believe in Him receive His righteousness and are redeemed from death and separation from God. One day, Jesus will be revealed in glory, and we will be revealed in glory with Him (Col 3:4)(Gal 2:20). This is what Paul understood. Everything in life pales in comparison to the great glory of knowing Christ. Christ showed by His resurrection that He has the power to conquer death and ultimately to provide true life to all who believe in Him. This knowledge was more valuable to Paul than anything else in life.

Because of the power of Jesus’ resurrection, Paul had confidence in Jesus and could rejoice in the Lord. Because of the power of Jesus’ resurrection, Paul could challenge all believers to rejoice in the Lord (Phi 3:1) and to value above all else the knowledge of Christ (Phi 3:8), counting everything else as worthless in comparison.

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, give us confidence to proclaim the glory of Your name and knowledge of your greatness, to cast aside the things of the world so that we do not become distracted by them. Open our hearts and minds so the knowledge of You becomes paramount and life sustaining in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.