envelop spinner search close plus arrow-right arrow-left facebook twitter

Growing Joy May 27 Devotional

by David Joynt on May 27, 2023


PHILIPPIANS 2:17-18 | 17 But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the service of your faith, I rejoice, and I rejoice together with all of you; 18 in the same way also you should rejoice and rejoice together with me.

 

Finally, Paul rejoices in the sacrifice of the Philippian’s faith and in his connection to it. A libation was a drink offering poured out over the alter in ancient Israel. Faith both then and now, requires sacrifices.

 

When we make sacrifices of time, energy, or resources, we advance our own faith and the impact of the kingdom. We also fit into the sacrificial pattern of Jesus’ life. Like Paul, our willingness to sacrifice with and for others, is powerful. Mutual sacrifice is so much easier than lonely individual efforts. Your sacrifice makes mine easier.

 

All of this can be a source of joy, reinforcing the genuineness of our faith.

 

What about your faith is sacrificial?

 

 

Gracious God,

Thank You for giving us opportunities for service and sacrifice. May they become mutual moments of joy.

Amen.

 

About the Author
David Joynt

Dave Joynt began his service as a pastor at Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley, Arizona in September 2014. This meant a move away from the Northeast, where he has a long history, growing up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and then serving congregations in Delaware and New Jersey for a total of 23 years.

Dave was nurtured in a great church in Bethlehem where his parents, Anne and Carey, served as elders. He graduated in classics from Lehigh University where his Father taught, and then from Oxford, where he met his wife Julia. Ordained in 1988, he completed a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1993.

He and Julia have a son, Tristan, and a daughter, Madeleine.

More from Pastor Joynts Devotionals

return to Pastor Joynts Devotionals