Meaningful to God

Meaningful to God

Psalm 116:15, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

 

My intent is never to be insensitive or indelicate, but to carefully offer a truth that is helpful and life-shaping to believers in Christ.

Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

God regards our lives and deaths, His faithful “saints,” as highly valuable, deeply priceless, and closely administrated by Him. Originally the Hebrew word “precious” means “valuable,” “costly,” “prized,” “heavy,” “splendid,” or “weighty”. This indicates that our lives and our homecoming hold enormous significance to the Lord. 

It is true of all saints—their death is precious to our God because it means they are with Him in glory. But it was never more true than in the case of the Lord Jesus. His death was precious to His Father because it provided a righteous basis upon which He could justify ungodly sinners.^[1]

The psalmist, knowing that the Lord cares intensely about the death of His saints, acknowledged that he was a servant (vv. 15–16) of the Lord and would praise Him publicly (vv. 17–19). The death of a saint is not something the Lord considers as cheap; He does not let His people die for no reason.^[2]

All of this brings profound comfort, though it is often misunderstood.

What Do We Need to Know?

• Again, God sees “saints” death as “precious” categorizing them as “high worth,” or a “highly valued treasure.” God does not regard the passing of His servants lightly.
• “His saints” point to those who are in a faithful, covenant relationship with Him (His devoted followers).  “The death of God’s children is precious in His sight.”^[3]
• This is NOT a matter of God delighting in our suffering and pain. God does not rejoice or takes pleasure in the ache of death. Instead, it means that because of our deep value to Him, God oversees our journey and ensures that our crossing over into His presence is highly significant and carefully guarded.
• This truth is designed to be a source of comfort in times of grief. This promise, frequently used during Christian memorial services and funerals, offer support assuring loved ones that the deceased are intensely cared for by their Creator God. 
• God’s presence in pain, hurt, suffering, and death is wisely stressed. God emphasizes how He remains intimately involved in the lives and deaths of His faithful ‘servants,’ promising ultimate peace and an end to our suffering and toil.

Though no man lays it to heart when the righteous perish, God will make it to appear that he lays it to heart. This should make us willing to die, to die for Christ, if we are called to it, that our death shall be registered in heaven; and let that be precious to us which is so to God.^[4]

Again, the passing of God's faithful followers (saints) is not a light or insignificant matter to Him. Instead, it is deeply valued, carefully watched over, and “precious” because it marks the moment we enter His direct presence. 

David Rehearsed this Truth for Our Enrichment!

Considering the entire psalm of thanksgiving, David very recently escaped a life-threatening predicament (recorded verses 3–8). His contemporaries often thought that if a person nearly died, God simply didn't care…he was indifferent and uninvolved.

So, by stating the death of His saints is “precious,” David was affirming that God is entirely sovereign over our years. The Lord is profoundly involved in our life, and He will not allow us to face death prematurely or without His watchful care. David saw fit to punctuate this truth for our benefit!

We are Helped by Embracing the Magnitude of this Encouragement.

From a God-fearing perspective, David offers great assurance to believers. This truth reminds us that:

1.     Death is not a random occurrence. God controls the exact timing and circumstances of a believer’s passing.

2.    Transition into God’s presence is significant. Because believers are precious to Him, our departure from this earthly life marks a wonderful passage directly into the presence of our Creator God. Beloved, this is huge…. It’s a big deal!

Through his experience the psalmist learned that the death of one of his “saints” (godly ones) is precious in the sight of Yahweh, i.e., their death is not a matter of indifference to him.^[5]

Beloved, choosing God’s perspective here is a bit challenging, but not insensitive to our grief, suffering, or pain. It forces us to appreciate another way of looking at death and especially the death of faithful believers. It clearly expands our view, strengthens our evangelistic efforts, and comforts us when a committed child of God graduates to glory to be with the Lord. We can truly mean it when we whisper to our deceased loved one, “I’ll see you again.”

So, Why Are We Reluctant to Accept this Truth?

Perhaps the following ideas have clouded our appreciation of this concept:

1.     Selfishness is likely one reason…we want people to live and stay here with us. We simply don’t want to let them go because we cherish them…. We can’t seem to live without them.

2.    An incomplete view of eternity or a misunderstanding of our finality. We simply are frightened by our partial ignorance of our future. We don’t trust what we don’t know.

3.    Healing is regarded as evidence of God’s blessings and goodness. We fail to appreciate all God reveals about Himself favoring the more comfortable ideas.

4.    Another perspective threatens, undermines, or even reveals our own insecurities regarding the future and our associated assumptions. Life really does not fit into the nice, neat box we try to force it into for our own delusion. Once again, we must trust the Lord with our lives and even the apparent ciaos.

5.    Their departure forces our acceptance and leaves us feeling less in control than we are contented with. The truth is we were never really in control anyway…God is!

6.    Our loved ones’ leaving reinforces the need to change, grow, and get out of our comfort zone. God is super motivated to sanctify us always. 

7.    Death reminds us to reach our loved one before it is too late for them or us. We must become evangelistically motivated and charged sharing the hope of Christ with others!

The death of His saints is no trifling matter with God; He does not lightly suffer it to come about; He does not suffer His own to be torn away from Him by death.^[6]

Perhaps these are a few of the reasons hindering our own acceptance and celebration of a life lived for God’s glory. Beloved, you are meaningful to God! Yes, we are correctly humbled by this reality, but life takes on real purpose and meaning when we embrace this idea. Remember He offers this truth to aid your commitment to Him and to give structure…shape to your life in Christ.

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 732.

^[2] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 877.

^[3] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 842.

^[4] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 911.

^[5] James E. Smith, The Wisdom Literature and Psalms, Old Testament Survey Series (Joplin, MO: College Press Pub. Co., 1996), 407.

^[6] Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament, vol. 5 (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996), 716.

Thinking In Spiritual Terms

Phil 3:17-21, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18, (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Ephes. 2:6, And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When we recognize Heaven as our spiritual country and home, it changes the way we view life here and what we emphasize while we live here on earth each day. This different emphasis is evident in our thinking and therefore our lifestyle. Our decisions are constantly screened through this grid of our perspectives.  What’s important to us as members of a heavenly community is different from those who are of the worldly perspective.

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL THINKING (Phil. 3:20)

   1.  What Does Spiritual Mean?

The word "spiritual" has suffered as much abuse as the word "fellowship."

      A.  The Wrong Idea.

Too many people think that a “spiritual Christian” is mystical, dreamy, impractical, and distant. Basically out of touch with reality! (Wiersbe)

You see a person can supposedly be ‘spiritual’ without ever having been saved.  In reference to Eastern religions, many feel that they are spiritual because they chant, sit with their legs crossed in a trance, or recite a memorized prayer. Then there is the example that is most familiar to us all who have been in church for any given period of time, when he prays, he shifts his voice into a sepulchral tone in tremolo and goes to great lengths to inform God of the things He already knows. Unfortunately, this kind of unctuous piety is a poor example of true spirituality. Others are convinced that if their list of service endeavors is filled with ‘Christian’activities then it indicates they are truly spiritual.  Again these are powerfully wrong ideas.

      B.  The Correct Idea.

To be spiritually minded does not require one to be impractical and mystical. Quite the contrary, the spiritual mind makes the believer think more clearly and get things done more efficiently.

Romans 8:4-7, That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

          1. Not Those Who Walk After the Flesh.    Rom. 8:4

These are not saved, and they obey the pulses and drives of their old sinful nature.  They live to gratify the flesh and cater to themselves primarily— they literally seek to satisfy their body.

          2.  Those Who Walk After the Spirit.  Vs. 4, 6     

These are true believers, and they rise above the power of the fleshly carnal nature and emphasize the importance of an eternal perspective.  They are rightfully occupied with the Word of God, prayer, worship, Christian service, and a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit.

          3.  We Walk and Live in a Spiritual Sphere.  Vs. 6

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee for a real life, characterized by peace with God, and tranquility of heart.  We live in a different sphere of reality.  Just as fish live in water and people in the air, so is the believer living in the Spirit.

    2.  What Does Spiritual Mind Mean?

       A.  Having Heaven’s Point of View.      

Col. 3:2, Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

           1.  To be “spiritually minded” (Rom. 8:6) simply means to look at earth from heaven's point of view.

           2.  It is to give your heart–“your affection”– to the heavenly things and spiritual considerations, we do not allow ourselves to become consumed with the passing things of earth.

           3.  Literally it is a practice of occupying your minds with the things of God–“set your affection,”–and not merely concentrating on and living for this life on earth alone.   There is more to life then this!  

We should therefore, purpose in our hearts to occupy our minds with all that goes into life under the direction and power of the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit produces a certain pattern for living and a way of thinking, our goal is “to be spiritually minded”—to mind and be mindful of the Spirit. Practically this means, making the Spirit’s character the object of our mind, the goal and focus of our actions, we must faithfully cultivate the graces of the Spirit in our hearts, and submit ourselves completely to his direct influence in our soul. To be spiritually minded, we seek those feelings and views which the Holy Spirit produces, and follow his leadership in our daily decisions.

       B.  Having a Dual Citizenship.

            1.  It is Not Merely Concentrating on Heaven. D.L. Moody used to scold Christians for being "so heavenly minded they were no earthly good," and that exhortation still needs to be heeded.

           2.  Christians have a dual citizenship - on earth and in heaven - and our citizenship in heaven ought to make us better people here on earth.

      C.  Having Eternal Values and Not Temporal.

          1.  The spiritually minded believer is not attracted by the "things" of this world.

1 John 2:15-17,  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Lot selected the well watered plains of Jordan because his values were worldly, and ultimately he lost everything.

         2.  He makes his decisions on the basis of eternal values and not the passing fads of society.

Moses refused the pleasures and treasures of Egypt because he had something infinitely more wonderful to live for. Hebrews 11:24-26, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Mark 8:36, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Philip. 3:12,  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Our most important goal should be getting to know Christ better. Paul says that his goal is to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ has in mind for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul’s energy. This is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal—Christ. With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians. What is holding you back?

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL LIVING  (Phil. 3:20)

Certainly the way we think, influences greatly the pattern of our lifestyle. And of course our lives demonstrate our value system.

    1.  What Does Heaven Have to Do With My Life Right Now?

“For our conversation is in heaven” (Phil 3:20).

       A.  Conversation Has to do With Conduct.

Philip. 1:27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

The old English word “conversation” usually refers to our conduct, behavior, and lifestyle, but here it has a much broader meaning to encompass ‘the behavior of a community or citizenship obligations.’

            1.  A Conduct Consistent With Being Citizens of the Heavenly Country.

Here we are citizens of the USA living wherever on earth; we have our leaders and presidents, our legislators and law-makers, our duties, and our privileges. It is a shadow of heavenly things.

            2.  A Conduct Consistent With Being a Member of the Heavenly City– New Jerusalem.

The heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, is our true home, our continuing city.  (See Rev. 21:10-27)

       B.  Conversation Has to do With Citizenship.

The terms “conversation” in Phil. 3:20, would include, “community,” “governmental administration,” “political order,” “behavior of the citizens.”  It has to do with the way we actually live as a citizen of a nation, colony, or city.  

Much like the Pilgrims living in America–the new world–during the 1600 and 1700 in the 13 colonies were actually citizens of England, though they lived on a different continent.  Therefore, they were subjects of the king and responsible to the laws of England.  Likewise Christians in New Testament Churches are colonies of Heaven– subject to the authority and laws of our Sovereign. Why? Because our citizenship is up there!

                                                                                                           

             1.  Almighty God is King of Our Country!

                   *   The almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, is the center of that vast communion.

                   *   The blessed angels, our guardians, are his ministers, standing before him, to do his will.

                   *   The saints, living and departed, are our fellow-citizens, the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn who are written in heaven, and the spirits just men made perfect.

Hebrews 12:22-23,  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, [23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

             2.  All of Our Privileges Extend from Heaven to Us!

Ephes. 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

There we have our privileges,

                    *  The grace of God,

                    *  The help of the Holy Spirit of God,

                    *  The hope of everlasting blessedness.

                    *  The peace of God that passes all understanding.

                    *  The sweet communion of the Lord.

                    *  The Fellowship of the Family of God.

             3.  All of Our Responsibilities Extend to Us Here!

Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.

  

Therefore, we have our duties, all growing from the one highest law of love: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart;... thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Every believer is a citizen of Heaven and God has fully accepted each of us as His own children.  Ephes. 2:19, Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; We are not strangers to Heaven, we instead belong to the royal family in that city! We must recognize that we have a responsibility to obey the Laws of our country where our citizenship is.  We much daily live in complete submission to the authority of our King— the Lord Jesus Christ– first and foremost.  Our conduct ought to be becoming of a citizen of the heavenly country and the heavenly Father’s household.  As we seek to execute our responsibilities as a citizen, we must take full advantage of all our privileges in Christ to ensure we fulfill his will for us. Making full use of prayer, the Word, the leadership of the Holy Ghost, and the counsel of godly brethren should be our focus.  Acknowledge Christ’s authority in your life, employ your spiritual privileges as you fulfill your god-given responsibilities (Wiersbe).

                                                                       

    2.  How Does Spiritual Thinking Relate to Spiritual Living?  Rom. 12:1-2

Paul is encouraging us to have the spiritual mind, and he does this by pointing out the characteristics of the Christian whose citizenship is in Heaven. Just as Philippi was a colony of Rome on foreign soil, so the churches are “colonies of Heaven” here on earth.

Think about it . . . our real home is Heaven right now. We are citizens of the heavenly world first and of the earthly world second.  Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  The highest loyalty and allegiance should be to that kingdom first and foremost. The promise of service should be to our great Master the Lord Jesus in all purity and holiness.  Our home is in Heaven, where Jesus is; it is so new. “Ye are come . . . unto the city of the living God;” “Ye are fellow-citizens with the saints.”  Therefore “seek those things which are above.”  There in Heaven must be the place of our treasures; there is where we must focus our hearts. We should try by God's grace to fill our minds with the blessed thought of Heaven, to make a point to meditate daily upon what it means to belong to that city, its never-ending worship, its unclouded view of the Divine beauty. For there we hope to spend the ages of the everlasting life.  Let us try to fill our thoughts and imaginations with it now, not with the poor prizes of earthly success, worldly popularity, fleshly appetites, and prideful pursuits.  Let us seek to realize those striking words, “Our conversation is in heaven.”

The Spiritually Minded Believer is able to focus on Spiritual Blessings and still maintain a very practical and meaningful life. We should live down to earth even though we are seated in heavenly places.  Keep your spiritual privileges in clear view because they will guide you to make decisions consistent with Heavenly Citizenship.