Paul Declares Living Is Christ, Dying Is Gain

Apostolic Era, c. 62 AD

Paul Declares Living Is Christ, Dying Is Gain

During his first Roman imprisonment, the Apostle Paul penned the Epistle to the Philippians, a letter filled with joy and profound theological insight even amidst his personal confinement and uncertain future. Writing to the believers in Philippi, Paul shared his unwavering perspective on life and death, demonstrating a deep conviction that allowed him to face any circumstance with Christ-centered purpose.

Paul expressed his internal struggle between remaining on earth to continue his vital ministry to the churches and his desire to depart and be with Christ, which he considered 'very much better.' This declaration underscored his ultimate hope and the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, providing a timeless message of faith and assurance for believers navigating their own earthly journeys and eternal destinies.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain... For I am hard-pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better...
— Philippians 1:21, 23 LSB

Timeline Box: The Epistle to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul during his first Roman imprisonment, generally dated around 62 AD. This event in the Apostolic Era aligns with the general timeframe of 23 Cheshvan, the 8th month of the biblical sacred calendar.

Judges Era, c. 1100 BC

Hannah Dedicates Her Son Samuel To The Lord

After the miraculous birth of her son Samuel, Hannah faithfully fulfilled the solemn vow she had made to the Lord at Shiloh. As soon as Samuel was weaned, she brought the young boy, along with appropriate offerings, to the house of the Lord to present him to Eli the priest for lifelong service. This profound act of dedication demonstrated Hannah’s deep faith and trust in God’s sovereignty, initiating Samuel’s pivotal role in Israel’s history as a prophet and judge.

And when she had weaned him, she brought him up with her, with three bulls and one ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of Yahweh in Shiloh. And the boy was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the boy to Eli.
— 1 Samuel 1:24-25a LSB

Timeline Box: This biographical event in the life of Hannah and Samuel occurred during the Judges Era. While the exact day is not specified, it represents a significant historical event in Israel's pre-monarchic period, suitable for reflection on 23 Cheshvan, the 8th month of the biblical sacred calendar.

Patriarchal Era, c. 2348 BC

Great Deluge Begins Upon The Earth

The biblical account of the Great Flood describes a catastrophic event where the 'fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the sky were opened.' This global judgment, which swept away all life on land outside of Noah's ark, commenced on the seventeenth day of the second month. While the Mosaic sacred calendar (starting in Nisan) places the 'second month' in spring, ancient civil reckonings (starting in Tishrei) align the 'second month' with Cheshvan, the eighth month of the biblical sacred calendar, placing this momentous event in the autumn season.

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the sky were opened.
— Genesis 7:11 LSB

Timeline Box: This event is recorded as occurring on the 17th day of the second month. While the Mosaic sacred calendar (Nisan=1st month) places the 'second month' in spring (Iyar/Ziv), ancient civil calendars and some traditions (e.g., Josephus) reckon the year from Tishrei, making the 'second month' align with Cheshvan, the 8th month of the biblical sacred calendar. Today, 23 Cheshvan, falls within this seasonal timeframe.

Living for Christ Amidst Life's Uncertainties

On this 23rd day of Cheshvan, the eighth month of the biblical sacred calendar, we reflect on God’s sovereign hand at work across millennia. The Apostle Paul, from Roman imprisonment, declared that 'to live is Christ and to die is gain,' exemplifying an unwavering faith that finds purpose and peace in Christ regardless of earthly circumstances. His profound desire to be with Christ underscores the ultimate hope that anchors every believer, transforming even the prospect of death into a gain.

Centuries earlier, Hannah's faithful dedication of her son Samuel to the Lord at Shiloh demonstrated a deep trust in God’s promises and a willingness to surrender her most precious gift for His service. This act of faith paved the way for Samuel to become a pivotal figure in Israel’s history. And even further back, the Great Deluge in Noah’s time, occurring in what some traditions align with Cheshvan, serves as a powerful reminder of God’s righteous judgment and His faithfulness to preserve those who trust in Him. Together, these narratives affirm that from the earliest judgments to the dawn of the church, God’s redemptive plan is steadfast, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, in whom all life finds its true meaning and eternal hope.

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