PRESSING FORWARD Devotion 10 of 11

"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)

Be of Good Cheer!

We are reaching toward an open door (Rev. 4:1), a satisfied God (Isa. 53:11), and a welcoming Savior (Matt. 11:28; John 6:37). The "powers of the world to come" (Heb. 6:5) tug at our faith. Heavenly influences beckon us to "come." This is "the day of salvation" and the time of spiritual "succor" (II Cor. 6:2). Those that stretch forward to "the mark" will not be disappointed." There are "troops" and "walls" between us and the realization of "the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls" (1 Pet. 1:9). With determination, we can identify with the words of David, after he had been delivered out of the hand of his enemies and king Saul. "For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall" (2 Sam. 22:30; Psa. 18:29). However, "running" and "leaping," even when undergirded by divine strength, engage the hearty effort of the victor.

Pressing toward the mark

While stretching forward involves affection and focus, "pressing" also involves moral effort and progress. "Pressing" is a strong word. Most of the time it is employed in Scripture, it has to do with persecution, and is so translated ("dioko" -- Phil. 3:16; Mat. 5:10-12; 10:23; Acts 26:15; Rom. 12:14; 1 Cor. 4:12; 15:9; 2 Cor. 4:9; Gal. 1:13' 4:29; 2 Tim. 3:12, etc.). It deals with diligent and unrelenting pursuit. The "pressing" individual will not be dissuaded. He will go through fire and water if called upon to do so. He will not allow anything or any relationship to rob him of the "prize." It is more important than career, family, or possessions. If the race requires the forfeiture of earthly companionship, the "pressing" one will run anyway. If there are conflicts with earthly relationships, they will be forfeited in preference of obtaining the prize.

Reason for Concern

The almost total absence of this type of commitment today betrays the condition of the professed church. Like the idolatrous monkey-triad, they have heard nothing, see nothing, and, consequently, do nothing. People do not let go of the world because they have not been convinced that there is something better. But their assessment of the case is wrong. There is something better! Jesus has opened the way to heaven--into the "holiest" of all. In Jesus, the world is now offered an affiliation with God that has never before been realized by those guilty of sin.

Spiritual Violence Is a Trait of the Kingdom Age

This is not violence like that of Noah's day (Gen. 6:11). Nor, indeed, does it consist of a state of moral chaos. This is the spiritual quality that compels one to gain the kingdom of God at any price. This type of attitude was revealed on a grand scale in the days of John the Baptist. Commenting on that situation, the Savior said, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matt. 11:12). The NIV translation reads, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." The idea here is that men perceived God's kingdom as worthy of the most extensive effort. They would even repent publicly to obtain it, and did so.

-- TOMORROW: A KINGDOM AT HAND -- -- WEDNEDAY, A New Series: THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT --