In the mid nineteenth century a man called Nokseng from the Garo tribe in Northeastern India came to faith in Jesus through a missionary. Nokseng was passionate about his newfound faith but met opposition from the local chief, who ordered him to recant. Tradition states that he tragically lost his children, then his wife, then his own life for refusing to deny his faith. At each stage of the horrific ordeal he repeated to his tormentors, “No turning back, no turning back.” We understand that these words formed the song that we sing today.
Like Nokseng, the Apostle Paul was no stranger to beatings, jail and ultimately martyrdom. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he said, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ” (Philippians 3:8). Having set out the reasons why he could have had confidence in his birth (vv. 4–6), he then shares his desire to know Christ, to identify with Him in both His death and resurrection (v. 10). Nothing—not his privileged birth or position as a religious teacher—could compare with the wonder of knowing Christ.
We will probably never have to face the same choice as Nokseng or Paul, but each day gives us the opportunity to follow Jesus. Sometimes we may struggle, but the Holy Spirit strengthens us to stand strong. And He is worth it!
By Adrian Smith
REFLECT & PRAY
What difficult decisions do you face? How can you reach out to God for His help and guidance?
Jesus, thank You for giving Your all for me so that I may experience fullness of life with You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Philippians 3:13, Paul says he’s committed to doing “one thing.” Ironically, he then goes on to list three things and each one of them has significance. First, he wants to “[forget] what is behind.” This may refer to the things that constituted his past “confidence in the flesh” (vv. 4–6), derived from living out Judaism in its full force. Second, Paul wants to reach to what’s ahead. While he doesn’t explain himself, this statement would make a nice parallel to Philippians 1:21 , where Paul says that to live is Christ but to die is gain. Finally, he’s committed to pressing to the goal for the “prize” (3:14)—an analogy to the award received by the winner in the Greek athletic games. Taken together, Paul’s ultimate goal is to accomplish all that he’s been called to in Christ.
Bill Crowder
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