Having a desire to depart
By Ken Blue
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Philippians 1:23
Paul made it clear that the whole creation groans under the curse. Our body becomes our greatest physical enemy while we are alive. No wonder he had a “desire to depart…” Death is far better for the Christian than life. In this life, we struggle every day with everything the curse has touched. “For in this, we groan…” So does the whole creation.
To depart and be with Christ is far better for many reasons. Each month I receive news that a family member or friend has been diagnosed with some terminal illness. We sorrow for them and miss them. But, thank God, once we are with Christ, we will never be separated.
To be with Christ means there will be no more death, pain, or tears. Can we question that to be with Him will be far better?
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Once we are with Christ, the personal battle over sin will be over. No matter how long we live on this earth, we will battle the sin nature within us. What a wonderful day that will be when we can’t sin, can’t say or think anything wrong!
Lastly, we will see and be with Christ! We love Him now because He first loved us. Faith will then become sight, and we shall see Him! Won’t that be a wonderful day? Tomorrow, on earth, will be like today and yesterday, but when we depart, we will be with Him, we will live in His eternal light.
I too have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is FAR better! Cheer up, Christian, only a few more days to go!
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.