Week 16
Philippians 1:23-24 “But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”
Paul confesses to inner uncertainty. There is no question what Paul wants – what he wants with all his heart: he wants to depart from this life and to be with Christ. For Paul, departing this life through death is the means by which he is immediately with Christ. There is nothing that the Christian wants more than to be with Christ. He is precious to us; His presence is peace for us, and we love Him more than we love life itself. We love Christ, because He IS life, He is OUR life.
When the Christian goes through the portal of death, he or she is immediately with Christ in heaven. The days of sin, sorrow, and separation are passed. Death has lost its sting and victory; now for the Christian, through Christ’s resurrection, death is only a doorway into eternity where we will be in the presence of Christ forever and ever. In heaven with Christ our joy is full, in heaven with Christ our delightful yearning is completely satisfied. All of our holy aspirations are achieved on the day when the Christian says “goodbye” to earth and “glorious greetings” to heaven. No wonder Paul yearned to depart from this life and go to heaven to be with Christ.
And yet, Paul was also cognizant that his life was not his own. He was willing to stay here on earth and serve Christ and His kingdom even more. In addition to the Christian’s desire to depart from this life and be with Christ, the Christian also is willing to stay and serve as Christ leads and directs. Our life is not ours – we are bought with a price, the price of Christ’s death and shed blood on the cross. We bear our cross and follow Christ on this earth; we serve Him gladly, and we follow Him with joy and steadfastness.
Christian friend, we as believers must have both of these components in our lives: joyfully ready to die and be with Christ, and joyfully willing to stay here and serve, as long as Christ wills it so. We will not place our hands upon the holy things of God; we are His, and He will direct us. Let us be willing to our utmost to serve Christ with all our lives, talents, and resources. But let us also cast an eye of eager anticipation towards that day when we will hear Christ’s summons to come home to heaven and heaven’s glory. Are we willing to do either? May the Lord grant it to be so!
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me this day to be ready both to depart and be with Christ in death and also to be ready to serve You, as You see fit. I am Yours, and I am ready for You to do what You will with my life, this day. I only ask that You help me, strengthen me, and grant that I may by Your grace be faithful to serve and ready to go.