The imagery of verse 17 stopped me in my tracks: “poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith." We’ve all likely encountered a reference to something like this through mainstream movies and music. But typically in those famous scenes (Austin Powers anyone?!), it’s depicted as an act of physically pouring out a beverage (usually alcoholic) for remembering and honoring those that are no longer with us.
That's not so far off from the time of Jesus when people would indeed pour out water or wine on the altar as a way of honoring others. But, here in this passage we're met with bold imagery of blood being shed as a sacrifice and offering AND being glad to do so! “If I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." We know that sacrifice was a part of ancient worship, but typically that which was sacrificed did not do it willingly! Here, Paul, in this letter to the Philippians, is glad to have his life poured out as a sacrifice. Wow!
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of sacrifice or hardship! I'll psych myself up, put in the work, but I don’t do it gladly or without “murmuring and arguing.” The human in me, the depth of my sin, screams at me to run away—to protect myself and to not be vulnerable. I imagine that’s because, well, it’s more comfortable. It’s easier not to stand up to bullies, not to wade into the waters to save a stranger, not to make eye contact with the homeless man asking for change while in line at Starbucks. It’s even harder to engage in a conversation with someone about something so incredibly personal and vulnerable as faith and God. Yep, it's safer on the sidelines with my cup of coffee not calling out the bullies of the world.
Or is it?! I think about my own life; childbirth, crying babies, lack of sleep and toddler temper tantrums were exhausting and hard, but my amazing kiddos are absolutely worth it. Divorce and overcoming emotional abuse felt impossible and is still a daily struggle. None of that is easy. Leaning into this call of walking with people considering seminary, and starting seminary myself – definitely outside of my comfort zone. But I would do it all again gladly if it meant I'd be where I am now in my faith and life journey. Perhaps, in some cases, being faced with the hard and scary is the gentle push we need to do the right thing, to bear witness to the good news.
I love that this passage reminds me that even us humans, like Paul, can do this! Granted, we don’t often get it right (#human), but we’re given new days to be grateful for and and new chances to do the right thing because of the sacrifices of those who came before us. Paul is glad to have his life poured out for us. Jesus gave his life for us. It’s our common calling to not let those moments pass us by, but instead to seize the day, pour one out for those that paved the way, and to spread the good news!
God is good, ya’ll!