How many look at death (believers, I mean) as something, solemn, the thought of Which is to be avoided; instead of being able to say with Paul, " To die is gain." True, death came from the entrance of sin, but, if it should overtake me, I shall be borne upon the crest of the wave, right into the presence of the Lord, one leap into the bosom of Christ.
In the death of a believer, only see the expression of the love of Christ opening the way to a place where the soul can be present with Himself.
Ought we not to be able to say of a believer, that the way he lives to God, delights the heart of Christ; and the way he lives to Christ, delights the heart of God?
There were some of whom the Apostle could say, ". I remember without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." I am sure that my eye is not so keen as was Paul's, I may entertain happy thoughts of those around, but should you be surprised if you heard me say of any individual, " Oh, that is a man or woman, in whom I see the work of faith, the labor of love, and the patience of hope?" Those three things Paul saw had wrought thoroughly in certain individuals, before men and in. the sight of God. Does Christ see this in you, as He counts over His sheep individually? Does He look down and see your heart true to Himself in the presence of the Father? Does He see not only the work of faith and the labor of love, but the patience of hope? Is, His coming known as that which you have to steady yourself by? If there are breakers ahead, are you able to say, " Ah, He is coming -I can endure, I can steady myself because He is coming?" Does He see love producing such fellowship with Himself that it moves you to work with all the energy of your heart? Is love an energetic thing constraining your working? Does He see it working because the light of God has shined in your heart and you are continually gathering from God, standing in communion with God?
The moment we are " in Christ" we should be laying hold of everything that is connected with faith, love, and hope.