KOINONIA

Daily Scripture Readings

Monday: Philippians 2:1-11

Tuesday: Philippians 2:12-18

Wednesday: Philippians 2:19-30

Thursday: Philippians 3:1-14

Friday: Mark 2:1-12

Saturday: Philippians  1:3-11

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach me afresh what it means to become a faithful partner in the Gospel with you and my neighbor. For the furthering of your Kingdom and the glory of your name, AMEN.

Devotional Thoughts:

This week as we look deeper into the letter to the Phillipians, particularly the theme of koinonia, I’m drawn to a parallel story in the Gospel of Mark (2:1-12). As a reminder, “koinonia” is the Greek word, thematic in the letter to the Philippians, which can be translated as “partnership” or “fellowship”.

In the Mark passage, Jesus has returned home and crowds have gathered. It’s standing room only in the house where he’s teaching. Here come five friends–one of whom is paralyzed. Clearly, they had heard of the miraculous works Jesus had done (Mark 1:21-45) and here they were. Sadly, there was no way they were going to get in the house–at least not through the door. They ventured up the steps to the rooftop. They gently lay their paralyzed friend down while the friends set to work at removing the mud, branches and rushes that comprised the roof. 

At this point, I like to look at the passage through the eyes of someone in the house: one moment you’re listening to Jesus speak and then the next dust and debris start falling from the ceiling.  Daylight streams through a widening hole and a couple heads pop out. Not long afterwards, an entire man on a mat is lowered down! Amidst the commotion, Jesus looks up with a smile and laughs. As the man is lowered the rest of the way down, Jesus looks at him and declares, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” For the first time, perhaps ever, the man gets up, scoops up his mat and walks out of the house. 

When I reflect on this story, I am reminded of the manifold goodness of koinonia. First, consider the fellowship, the faithful partnership of the paralyzed man’s friends. They don’t let the obstacle of a full house stop them. Secondly, take note of Jesus’ response. He doesn’t reprimand them for destroying a portion of the home owner’s roof. Instead, he shows what a good and graceful partner he is–one that doesn’t just have the power to heal but who also has the authority to forgive sins. 

My prayer for this congregation is that we would experience the beauty of koinonia in both ways. Abiding friendships, which carry each other when needed most. Friendships with resolve in spite of challenges which consistently point toward Christ, growing in relationship with Him, the one who is able to forgive sin and health broken lives. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.