Read: Philippians 1:1-11
He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. (v. 6)
If you’re anything like me, beginning projects is easy. Perhaps there’s a creative rush of inspiration, a sense that what you’re about to undertake will really make an impact. However, completing projects trips me up most often. What a blessing that we serve a God who not only begins a good work in you but brings it through to completion (v. 6).
Someone once told me that Scripture is like a window. If you stand far back, you can only see the merest postage stamp of what’s beyond it. But when you press your face against it you can see everything—the whole story rolling on from beginning to end. Over the next two weeks, I invite you to draw near to the windowpane of Philippians. Consider how our key verse, “He who began a good work in you . . .” relates to the Bible’s opening verse, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). The biblical story starts with creation, ends with new creation, and billows around the itinerant rabbi named Jesus who, with nail-scarred hands, invites us into his narrative.
Christ calls each of us into a “partnership in the gospel” (v. 5). And although we haven’t reached the glorious end yet, God’s purposes and plans have never changed. As you immerse yourself in the story, may you encounter a God who promises to bring to completion all good works in the world, and in you.
As you pray, give thanks to God who will bring his good story to completion in you.
Co-authored by Rev. Jon Brown and Justin Kuiper.
Jon Brown is the lead pastor of Pillar Church in Holland, Michigan. Jon loves preaching and loves walking with people through all of life’s circumstances. He loves to invite people to follow Jesus in community on mission. Jon and his beloved wife, Kristyn, are the proud parents of four daughters.
Justin Kuiper is a student from Holland, Michigan, studying English literature at Hope College. His own writing explores the many intersections of faith, storytelling, and the created order.
