Whose names are in the book of life

Philippians 4:3

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4 is, no doubt, one of the most encouraging passages in all of Holy Writ. It is as balm for the believers and as a tonic for the faint. It has uplifted many a heart, and nourished many a soul that was in great need and in deep distress. It has brought estranged children of God into the sweet fellowship of His fold once more. And, Oh, what an engagement it has been to you and me! For it speaks of the joy that we may have in the Lord! It speaks of the sublime and transcendent peace we can experience through casting every care on our Lord! It tells us of His care to hear our requests as we make them known to Him! And it speaks to us about our thoughts that should be true, honest, just, lovely, etc. But further is reminds us of the promise of God’s provision! My God shall supply all your need! And the glorious and well-known statement of the thirteenth verse: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Never have I found a Scriptural passage more densely populated with encouragement and good will to the reader. If we cannot derive strength and help from such a marvelous portion of God’s Word, we are deeply troubled, and in need of deep reconciliation to the One who gave us such wondrous truths for our enjoyment.

But tucked within the confines of this wonderful chapter, Paul speaks of the women which labored with him in the gospel. The women! Women were not well respected at the time. Many passed over them with derision or scorn, ignorant of their prime value in society and within the church. Paul commands the church, and his brother Epaphroditus to help those women! And help other my fellowlaborers! Now these fellowlaborers will never be known to us, as their personal names are not listed. However, why must we know who they are? For there are many fellowlaborers who have never done one deed to be seen of men. They are just fellowlaborers! They are content to be that! And so should we. Paul instructs the church to assist the nameless fellowlaborers who labored with him in the gospel.

But, my dear friend, the most infinitely powerful and comforting statement is made of these unknown fellowlaborers, and of these faithful women. Whose names are in the book of life! Is there anything greater than that? Surely not! Is there any perpetual comfort, any eternal joy greater than to know your name is written in the book of life? It has been etched into the book of Heaven, engraved on His tablet. It cannot be erased! The Lord promised the church in Sardis, “I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Your name has been indelibly recorded, irrevocable inscribed upon the annals of the heavenly place. Is there anything more delightful or more divinely happy than this? Your names are in the book of life!

Now, my dear one, are you distracted today by cares? Leave them on Him? Are you discouraged by circumstances? Leave it at His feet. Are you despondent because of the consternation of others, or disappointed because of the calamity that you face? Have you faced trouble in the face? Have you entered a storm of fear and doubt? Has your joy been decreased, defeated, and cast down? Look to Him! For He has written your name down already! The midnight may be long, and the troubles of this world constant, but joy cometh in the morning! It will not be much longer! Or ever you are aware, you will be taken up to your eternal home! It is around the corner! It is the hope of our souls! No matter the heartache, trial, or test, there is one thing for certain. There is one irrefutable and undeniable fact. There is one unchangeable principle. There is one irreversible truth. And it is that your name is in the book of life!

“Oh Father, we thank you that you have not left us comfortless. You have come to us. You have encouraged us. By your loving Holy Spirit you have encouraged our weary hearts again. For we have been kindly reminded of the everlasting truth that are names are written down. Let us not be distracted from this truth, or discouraged from remembering this hope that we have. May we not become disconsolate, but receive your consolation today. Lord, the trials of this world are small. Our light affliction is but for a moment. For it works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Thank you that our names have already been recorded in your book. And all of this is only possible through our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. In whose name we pray, Amen.”