40 Days Pondering Heaven - 21
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 21 | FAR BETTER
Pondering Heaven
Day 21 | FAR BETTER
FAR BETTER
Philippians 1:21-23
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (ESV)
In this part of his letter, the Apostle Paul is obviously torn between wanting to continue his ministry for the benefit it brings to others and going to be with the Lord in heaven.
I like that Paul sees BOTH options – staying longer on earth AND going to heaven – as good. BUT he is clear that departing and being with Christ is FAR better.
I guess we would call that a “win-win scenario,” where he is truly FINE with either staying or dying.
As I pondered that, I thought about those of us living in America. We have SO much of pretty much everything. So, if someone were confronted with the prospect of “going to the hospital” and told they might not survive,” MANY would be upset because of ALL the stuff they have, love, and want to keep.
Paul knew little about earthly “stuff,” which is what keeps many from embracing heaven and the afterlife.
I wonder how many church-goers could honestly agree with Paul in today’s verses and be looking forward to Heaven?
There can surely be no greater thrill than to look into the face of our Lord Jesus Christ and hear Him say: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Prayer: LORD, I am content to be here now and to follow Your leading in my life. I also look forward to being with You in heaven forever. Amen.
Philippians 1:21-23
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (ESV)
In this part of his letter, the Apostle Paul is obviously torn between wanting to continue his ministry for the benefit it brings to others and going to be with the Lord in heaven.
I like that Paul sees BOTH options – staying longer on earth AND going to heaven – as good. BUT he is clear that departing and being with Christ is FAR better.
I guess we would call that a “win-win scenario,” where he is truly FINE with either staying or dying.
As I pondered that, I thought about those of us living in America. We have SO much of pretty much everything. So, if someone were confronted with the prospect of “going to the hospital” and told they might not survive,” MANY would be upset because of ALL the stuff they have, love, and want to keep.
Paul knew little about earthly “stuff,” which is what keeps many from embracing heaven and the afterlife.
I wonder how many church-goers could honestly agree with Paul in today’s verses and be looking forward to Heaven?
There can surely be no greater thrill than to look into the face of our Lord Jesus Christ and hear Him say: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Prayer: LORD, I am content to be here now and to follow Your leading in my life. I also look forward to being with You in heaven forever. Amen.
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