SEEKING BETTER THINGS

"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. . . . But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6)

Devotion 11 of 26

BETTER TO DEPART

Is it possible that dying is better than living? Such a thought is morose any place but "in Christ Jesus." In the very midst of his prodigious and effective ministry Paul wrote, "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better" (Phil 1:23). The difficulty in choosing to stay or depart was not owing to a preference Paul had for this world, or for life in the flesh, or "in the body." If he were the only consideration, there would have been no competing desire with departing to be with Christ. It was his consideration of the saints that cast him on the horns of a dilemma. "Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again" (vs 24-26)

The sanctifying power of faith is seen in the expression, "having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." Once possessed, faith transforms the heart, lifting its possessor out of this world into heavenly places. Christ Jesus looms larger than anything else, and to "know Him" and be "with" Him becomes the driving quest of life.

Those who believe have already died to this world. They die to this world through their identity with the Christ of the cross. As it is written, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Gal 6:14). The world has lost its hold upon and appeal to them, as they have come into the "newness of life." In reasoning with the Colossians concerning the absurdity of being caught in the vortex of the world, the Spirit said, "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using)--Col 2:20-22.

Now that we are dead to the world, the sting of death is removed and it becomes the gateway to glorification. That is the reason it is "far better" to "depart" from this world. By that means we enter into a realm where death is forbidden. Therefore, faith speaks in this manner: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (2 Cor 5:8).

The death of the "saints" is "precious" in the sight of the Lord. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Psa 116:15). It is "precious" because this is the point at which they are ushered into His presence. Redemption brought them into fellowship with Him through Christ and by the Spirit. Death brings them into a fuller measure of that fellowship. Once we are in the faith, we move from one stage of glory to another, "even as by the Spirit"--even in death (2 Cor 3:18).

A blessing is pronounced upon those that die in the Lord. "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" (Rev 14:13, RVS). The blessedness of the situation is confirmed by the response of the Holy Spirit: "Blessed indeed!" Death puts the saints beyond the reach of the "last enemy" (1 Cor 15:26). The adversary of their souls can no longer reach them. They are beyond the perimeter of temptation, trouble, and sorrow! Blessed condition! Truly, it is "far better" to "depart" from the battle field and enter into the haven of rest! "Far better" to "depart" the realm of weakness to enter one of strength! "Far better" to "depart" the land of sorrow and enter the "joy of the Lord."

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for such a grand hope.

-- Tomorrow: A BETTER COVENANT --