A Beloved Benefactor

A lot of folks are struggling with concerns that are overwhelming right now. This insight has been a comfort to me and I hope it will encourage anyone else who needs it.

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Philippians 1:19

“I especially want you to notice the word “supply” in this verse. It is the Greek word epichoregeo. To those who read Greek, this word seems like a strange choice for Paul. However, after reflecting on the original usage of this word, it makes this verse very exciting. The word epichoregeo is an old word that literally means on behalf of the choir. I know this sounds peculiar, so let me explain where this word came from and why Paul uses it here.

Thousands of years ago in classical Greece, a huge choral and dramatic company practiced endlessly for a huge, important theatrical performance. After they put in a great amount of time, energy, effort, and practice, it was finally time for the show to go on the road. But there was one major problem-they ran out of money!

These people had given their lives to this production. They had committed all their resources to making sure the performance succeeded. But because they ran out of financing, it meant that the show was over-finished! They were washed up before the show ever officially got started. From all appearances, it was the end of the road for them and their dream.

At that exact moment, a wealthy man heard of their crisis, stepped into the middle of their situation, and made a huge contribution on behalf of the choir. This contribution “supplied” all they needed to get back into business again! In fact, the gift the man gave was so enormous that it was more than they needed or knew how to spend! This man’s contribution was excessively large, abundant, overflowing and overwhelming.

This is where we get the word “supply” in Phillipians 1:19 that now describes the enormous contribution of the Spirit that Jesus Christ wants to give to you and me. This means when you’ve run out of steam; when you’ve given your best effort and don’t feel like you have another ounce to give; when it looks like your resources are drained and you are unable to take one more step unless someone steps in to help you-that is exactly the moment when Jesus Christ steps in to become your personal benefactor. Like the wealthy man in the story above, Jesus steps into your life at that moment to donate a massive, overwhelming, generous contribution of the Spirit’s grace and power for your cause.”