PRESSING FORWARD Devotion 7 of 12

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14)

THE "MARK" IS ATTAINABLE

A goal that cannot be attained is no goal at all! Men of God do not "beat the air" or "run in vain" in their pursuit of "the mark." Their incentive has been provided by the Lord Jesus Himself. "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Matt. 7:8). God has not promised us something that is beyond our reach. He has not flashed a mirage before those in the desert of this world, deluding them into thinking things will be better in the "bye and bye."

An Accessible Way

Although not accessible under the law (Heb. 9:8), a "way" has now been sanctified that leads to "the mark." From one point of view, that "Way" is the Person of Jesus Christ. How glorious His affirmation: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). The life of faith brings us to "the Father" now (I Thess. 3:11), and the removing of those things "that can be shaken" will bring "the Father Himself" to be "with" us (Rev. 21:3).

New and Living

The "way" is both "new" and "living." It has been "consecrated" particularly for us, giving us access to the most holy place of all, the presence of the living God. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh" (Heb. 10:19-20). It is "new" in the sense of being different--of another order. It is "living" in the sense that it is effective, bringing the realization of the promised benefit. Factually speaking, believers are the only real "goal-oriented" people. All earthly goals are temporal. They are simply "lusts" that will ultimately pass away with the world (I John 2:17).

Seek and Find

But it is not so with the people of God. What they seek will be found. The willing forfeiture of this world will gain for them permanency in "the world to come" (Heb. 2:5). Little wonder that the Spirit admonishes us to run with purpose and intent. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Cor. 9:24). If we do not reach the goal, what difference does anything else really make? We shall have spent our lives in total futility if we do not make it to "the mark," obtaining the "prize" of the high calling in Christ Jesus! In the words of Jesus, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

-- TOMORROW: THE BELIEVER IS APPREHENDED --