27th October

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3, 8

New value scale

The heavenly vision, this light which is more glaring than sun's splendour illuminated the depths of his being. He who challenges him from heaven is Jesus. Saul is pursueing Jesus with his hatred by setting upon his disciples.

From then on he will appreciate all things in the new and godly light. Up to then he was weighed with the human scale and he was "blameless" but this was only an appearance; through God's illumination he saw himself as "the worst sinner".

The precious trumps of his race, sect, religion and personal privileges start to have their real value: he looks at them as "a loss". He estimates them as rubbish, good to throw them away. On the other hand, what has he won? Christ, himself! When one gazes at and loves a person who fills the heart then deprivation is a natural happening. Why or even more for whom did Paul give up all his advantages? Should one insist so much on giving up in Christian life? Yes, because this helps to know the person one loves better. To know Christ Jesus, my Saviour, personally and intimately, is not a theoretical but a living and experienced knowledge. To know him who has all authority on my life and with whom I can enjoy a sweet communion is precious.