I know that it shouldn't be this way, but sometimes it takes a crisis or a bit of a set back to help a person put things into perspective. As many of you know, I found myself more than a little bit under the weather during holy week. As a result, there were occasional moments when I would have been glad to leave this vale of tears behind. That isn't to say that I have never thought about or longed for the glories of heaven before, but there is something that changes in the degree of that desire when the joy of living is diminished by illness.

I am sure that many of you know what I am taking about, for many of you have faced trials and health issues far greater than mine. The apostle Paul understood it too, when he wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain… I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." (Philippians 1:21-24). He penned these words while dealing with his own health issues.

But of course, we all know that heaven is not just a better place to be for those who are ill. It is a better place-the best of all places-period! As the people of God, we believe the promise of God; namely, that the glories of heaven are such that the things of this world are not worthy to be compared with them.

For that reason, it is not only alright for us Christians to occasionally consider leaving behind this vale of tears. We should rather regularly give it due consideration. For, "if… you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2) Regardless of how wonderful life may be, we have in Christ a greater expectation-a far greater promise-waiting for us.

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey