Devotion #3 in Cultured for Reigning

OUR IMMEDIATE THRUST

Our entrance into Christ (Gal. 3:27) is attended by two primary objectives. These are to be our basic thrust while we are in the world. The Spirit puts it this way: "ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come" (1 Thess. 1:9-10).

The first goal is generally acknowledged by believers; the second is virtually unknown. Observe that turning from vanity was not the objective, but the appointed means to the objective. God rescued us from sin that we might "serve" Him; i.e., enjoy divine employment. Secondly, we are waiting for His Son from heaven. Then, we will embark upon the real work for which we were delivered from sin, and for which we are being prepared. In the service of God, this world is not primary, but preparatory. That is a revolutionary thought! Unless it is heartily embraced by the church, it will spend its time in vain religious pursuits.

It ought to be apparent that serving God and waiting for His Son from heaven is not the end of the matter. The very language of this text implies that these are preparatory for even higher and greater things. Receiving this affirmation constrains one to believe we are being prepared for some high and holy objectives--eternal involvements.

Our emphasis can never be this world. It is transitory, and as such, is not worthy of our emphasis. In words of Scripture, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18, NASV). Suffice it to say, there are very real realities that are "not seen."

In an introductory way, they are enjoyed now. Like Israel samples the grapes of Eshcol before they went into Canaan (Num 13:23-24), so we now "taste of the powers of the world to come" (Heb 6:5). However, if Israel wanted the vine, they had to enter and dwell in the land of Canaan. So it is with us. We enjoy the "first fruits of the Spirit" (Rom 8:23). But that is only a sample from the home land. If we want the fulness of the blessing, we must determine to be where Jesus Himself is now. That is His determination for us, and we must make it our own (John 14:1-3).

Our immediate thrust is involvement with OUr Savior, on a personal and practical basis. We are cutting loose from this world, subordinating our natural appetites for it, and culturing spiritual appetites the pleasures that are the Father's right hand (Psa 16:11). If this does not take place in our lives -- if we do not cut loose from this world, and develope an insatiable appetite for "the world to come," we have utterly missed the mark. We have, in such a case, lived in vain. May God help you to live for God now, that you may live with Him then!

-- TOMORROW: A SPECTACLE TO ANGELS --