Anchors Away

If you were given the choice between living, or dying, which would you choose? 

The Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison for his faith in Jesus Christ.  Not knowing how long he had to live, he wrote the following words to the church at Philippi, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.  I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:21-23 ESV).   

Paul says if we are going to live we should live all in for Jesus.  But if we are going to die, well, that is actually, far better!  In fact, he goes on to declare something quite astounding. The Greek word translated “desire” speaks of a strong passion or urge, a growing or swelling emotion.  A thought that sweeps you along and almost consumes you.  The word translated “depart” pictures a ship that has been loosed from its moorings, finally free to do what it was destined and designed to do…SAIL! 

Paul was more than ready to cut loose his anchor, shout, “Anchors Away!” and set sail into eternity and the destination that awaited him.  He wasn’t thinking about a location as much as he was thinking about the best Friend, he had ever known.  He wanted to be with Jesus. The Son of God.  The Savior, once humbled, but now in His rightful place in the highest heaven.  It wasn’t a location that drew him, delighted him, and consumed him.  It was the prospect of finding himself wholly in the presence of the One who was life itself to him.  The celestial coordinates didn’t matter.  To Paul, it was always about Jesus, and, wherever Jesus was, that would be heaven.  Praise the Lord!  

Beloved, Paul wanted to depart.  He was ready.  He couldn’t wait to be face-to-face with Jesus!  How about you?  Are you ready to shout, “Anchors Away!” and set sail into Jesus’ arms?  

This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries bringing you Insights From an Elder. 

by Laine Wilder

author of “Insights From an Elder” for

Carry the Light Ministries