Greater Works Than These Shall You Do
Devotion #13 of 13

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12)
BECAUSE I GO TO THE FATHER
     Jesus tells us why the works will be "greater." Note this carefully: it is not because the "workers" are more powerful. It is not owing to a greater measure of the Spirit than the Son of God. Who would presume to say they had a greater degree of power or the Spirit than the Lord Jesus Christ? Yet, if "greater works" are miracles, or external phenomenon, that would have to be the case.
     The cause for the works being "greater" is, "because" Jesus went "to the Father." Now, Jesus "fills all things" (Eph. 4:10), doing more from heaven than He was ever able to do upon earth. The interesting thing about this is that those limiting this to the miraculous, or visible workings, are more interested in what He did while in the flesh. The truth of the matter is, this is viewing Christ "after the flesh." This view, however, is no longer permitted. In fact, the Spirit declares plainly, "Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer" (2 Cor 5:16, NASB). 
      The risen and exalted Christ has raised us to a higher arena in which "greater works" are accomplished. We have been "raised up and made to sit together with Christ in heavenly places" (Eph 2:6). There we become competent to do exploits never before done by men. But it is only because Jesus has gone to the Father! There, at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens, He is bringing the purpose of God to its culmination--working within the people that are joined to Him.
      When Jesus was among us, He gave His disciples "power . . . over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). That was a remarkable display of of Divine commission--to grant men authority over all the power of the enemy. He did not have to return to heaven to do that! But He did have to return to the Father in order that the believer might do "greater works." 
     These "greater works" are more harmonious with eternity than time. They are more heavenly than earthly; more from within than from without. They have more to do with accomplishing God's will than frustrating the powers of darkness--although that is surely involved. We are "workers together with God" (1 Cor 3:9), a privilege never before vouchsafed to men as it is now in Christ Jesus. Because Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, God is NOW "able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us" (Eph 3:20). No wonder Paul prayed that early believers might have the eyes of their understanding opened to see the "exceeding greatness of the power that is toward us that believe" (Eph 1:20).
CONCLUSION
     In Christ we enter a new spiritual dimension. No patriarch, however great, ever experienced the glories of our salvation. The "sweet Psalmist of Israel" coveted the position in which ALL saints are found. We work in a higher realm, battle loftier foes, and experience greater things. We are working in concert with the King of kings, and  in the realm of the impossible.
     Come away, dear brother or sister, from stunted views of God's kingdom. Do not judge according to appearance, and do not permit your mind to dwell upon things that are seen. That is not where Jesus has brought us, and that is not where we are to be! There are great things to be done for God; but they can only be done by those who lose themselves in Christ. God will work in and with those who refuse to live after or walk in the flesh. Such truly shall do "greater works."
     I challenge you to be the person that believes in Christ, thereby gaining divine utility. We now have the glorious privilege of dealing with the heart of the issues, battling the real foes, and participating in God's eternal purpose. You have the honor of being the envy of the prophets and holy men of old. Do not let the opportunity pass you by.
-- TOMORROW: A New Series, "THE WALK OF FAITH' --