Paul said he was “hard pressed” between death and life… and declared death to be the better of the two (Phil. 1:23). He said that “to live is Christ” (1:21). Our lives on this earth are to be for His glory. Then he said “to die is gain” (1:21). He knew that that reality meant going on to being with his Lord… going home to the reward.
Where would you like to visit most? Maybe Disney World, a secluded cabin in the mountains, an island in the south Pacific, or even the home of a loved one? What if I told you that the condition for going there was that you must die? Funny how that condition changes the thought process. While, in fact, the very place we Christians (should) want to go the most actually has that very condition! Only at death can we go to heaven.
So, why then is death so scary and mysterious to so many who want to go to that place beyond it? Too much of the time, so much is done in life for the “here and now.” There are so many treasures being stored up here and so few treasures being invested beyond death.
But what is life? What is the “real life?” Quickly compare 0 - 100+ years to eternity. That should make it very clear in your mind what and when the “real life” is. I see so many people, who even in misery, cling to this life with all they have. This “life” on earth has seduced so many to give so much to it that ultimately amounts nothing…. or even to eternal death.
But if the most desirable thing is beyond death, why is death so feared? Paul declared the “sting of death” to be “sin.” (1 Cor. 15:56) But if Christ has taken away sin, death has no sting! A healthy way to look at death is to liken it to the Jordan River that Israel had to cross in order to take the land that had been promised to them.
Today, Christ is our way to that promise. It is His blood that bridges the gap between man and God. His blood has figuratively moved the waters of the Jordan back, so that we can walk across to that promise on dry ground… all doubt, fear, and worry being removed.
I recently heard death described as the “great equalizer.” And truly no matter how much greatness, prestige, and treasure has been piled up in this brief speck of existence, the only reality of any significance on that day will be whether or not we were in Christ.
Life is to be loved and cherished, but death is not to be feared – it is to be longed for. Paul said he was “hard pressed” between death and life… and declared death to be the better of the two (Phil. 1:23). He said that “to live is Christ” (1:21). Our lives on this earth are to be for His glory. Then he said “to die is gain” (1:21). He knew that that reality meant going on to being with his Lord… going home to the reward.
Are you “in love” with this life? Are you afraid of death? Or are you “hard pressed” between the two… knowing that each is a Christ-filled existence?
-Cary Gillis D.Min. January 31, 2021
Are You Hard Pressed?
