Hedgemaker Baptist – Above and Beyond

When we think of going above and beyond, we usually mean going higher and farther than what is normally achieved. It usually refers to the work of an over achiever, one who goes above and beyond what is required. The Christian believer ought to be an over achiever. We probably cannot go above and beyond what God expects of us, but we ought to go above and beyond what the world expects of the average person.

The phrase “above and beyond” is not found as such in our English Bible. So, we are going to look in this series of articles at a few things that are above and some that are beyond. Let’s first examine the word “beyond.” Most of these passages have to do with going past a certain location.

BEYOND JORDAN

The phrase “beyond Jordan” is found 16 times in the Bible. It usually refers to the geographical area on the other side of the River Jordan from where the speaker is positioned. As you know, the River Jordan spans the land of Israel from the north just above the Sea of Galilee and runs south to the Dead Sea.

In our hymns, we often speak of crossing the Jordan, as if we are crossing into glory. The Land of Canaan is more probably a picture of the place of victory in the spiritual journey. So, spiritually speaking, the believer who will go “beyond Jordan,” is the believer who takes a step of faith outside of the norm and goes a bit further with the Lord.

BEYOND MEASURE

Another phrase that we find in the Bible is “beyond measure.” This phrase is only found three times in the Bible (Mk.6:51; 7:37; Gal.1:13). The phrase “above measure” also occurs three times (2Cor.11:23; 12:7). All of these occurrences are built upon the same Greek root word that means “to throw above or beyond; to lift up or raise above.” We would say, to surpass, exceed, or excel. In the passages found in Mark (6:51; 7:37), the disciples were amazed or astonished at the ministry of Christ “beyond measure.” This means that the impact of the life of Christ upon the disciples far exceeded their expectations or hopes. You and I should be so impacted by the life of Christ, the work of Christ, and his daily operations in our lives that we are astonished beyond measure. But we will not be amazed at the life and work of Christ, if our eyes are not on Christ. We need to see Christ in order to be impacted by his ministry to us. We will not be impressed with Christ’s ministry to us, if we are not looking for his ministry. So, put your eyes on Christ and keep them there.

BEYOND THEIR POWER

When Paul gave testimony of the Macedonian churches to the Corinthian church, he said that they gave to the work by their own power, and then they gave “beyond their power” (2Cor.8:3). There are a number of things that we cannot do in our own power. In fact, Jesus said that “without me, ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). That means that we need God’s power to do this thing called the Christian life. We must go beyond our own power and tap into the power that we find in Christ. We must rely upon the Lord to do everything that we need to do in life. Trust in the Lord and rest in Him for your daily dose of divine power. (LEH)