READY TO LIVE & READY TO DIE

Paul said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” —Acts 21:13

Is Jesus this much of a priority in our lives? What is it that you or I are not willing to give up “for the sake of the Lord Jesus?” The Apostle Paul was willing to give up his very life, but then he had the attitude that “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live” (Philippians 1:21-24). Are we clinging to this life more than the Lord would have us to? Are we so focused on His will?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiRhcR4Vg10

How much are we looking forward to seeing Jesus and being with Him? May you and I be faithfully being about His business until He calls us home! Paul said that “living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Did you catch that? He said, “Dying is even better!” When was the last time you and I thought like that?

As long as Paul was on the earth he knew it was to “do more fruitful work for Christ.” But he still longed to be with Jesus. He also knew it was “for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” The Lord would have Paul continue to serve him on earth. It was not time for Paul to die and go to be with the Lord, not yet. He was to be an influence in the lives of others for the Lord Jesus.

So it is with you and I who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ. He has service for us to do on this planet for the benefit of others. When that work is done then our time on earth will be over and we will be with Jesus in glory. Until then fellow follower of Jesus, let us be faithful in the Lord’s desires for us— one of which is to be longing to be with Him in glory!

Dear Father, I so look forward to being with Jesus and with all who love Him. May I be faithful in the race He has laid out for me that I might hear those words from Him— “Well done good and faithful servant. May it be so in the authority of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit’s power.