Philippians 4:22 (NIV) All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

The Book of Philippians was one of the four books that the Apostle Paul wrote while he was imprisoned in Rome. Paul knew that there was potential danger wherever he went, but the Lord had told him at the onset of his ministry that he would speak before kings (Acts 9:15) and he was willing to go wherever the Spirit would lead him. It eventually led him to a prison in Rome. Out of that prison came some of the most inspirational and Spirit-inspired scriptures that have been a source of encouragement and instruction to millions of Christians around the world. But another immediate benefit of his imprisonment was that many people were saved even while he was in prison. So much so, that in his final greeting to end his letter to the Christians at Philippi, he includes greetings from "those who belong to Caesar’s household." This indicates that the gospel that was preached through Paul while he was in prison found its way into Caesar's household, and who was Caesar at that time: Nero! Nero's "household" probably included not only Nero's family, but his staff, servants and attendants as well. While Nero was trying to stamp out Christianity, the Lord was invading his house through Paul's life and testimony and getting the people connected to Nero saved!

This speaks so many things to us who serve the Lord today. First, God is able to use whatever situation we find ourselves in to His glory when we submit to Him and trust Him though it all. Paul never complained about his incarceration. To the contrary, he wrote to the Philippian Christians about rejoicing in the Lord always. Paul was seeing fruit from his imprisonment and instead of feeling sorry for himself, he was thankful and grateful to God. Second, the Lord knows exactly what He is doing at all times. Nothing is a mistake or an accident when it comes to God's plans and purposes. Paul's imprisonment gave other believers courage to continue to preach the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-14), and God knew all along that it would. Third, a group of people that would have never been reached with the salvation message were saved because the Lord arranged for Paul to be placed right in their back yard, in a manner of speaking. God positioned Paul to be able to reach prison guards (Philippians 1:13) that would have never heard about Jesus and to reach and even invade the very household of one of the most evil and vile emperors in history.

So what is impossible for God and who is beyond His reach? No one! Let that truth encourage your heart today for family, friends and co-workers that seem impossible to reach for Christ. Keep praying and spreading the great news about Jesus to everyone, especially the impossible cases, and the Lord will invade their households as well for their salvation and for His glory!

Pastor Joey Vazquez