[b]The hypocrite's desire
(Thomas Watson, "The Beatitudes" 1660)
"Let me die the death of the righteous!"
Numbers 23:10
This was Balaam's desire. The hypocrite, when he
is about to die and can keep his sins no longer—
now he desires a passport to carry him to heaven!
Such desires as these are found among the damned.
Hypocrites have desires—but no endeavors.
They would like to go to heaven—but they
will take no pains. But true desire is always
quickened into endeavor.
The hypocrite would have . . .
heaven—and his sins too,
heaven—and his pride too,
heaven—and his covetousness too.
"They have gone astray and have followed
the path of Balaam—who loved the wages
of unrighteousness." 2 Peter 2:15
The true Christian says, "Give me Christ on any
terms. Let God propound whatever articles He
will—I will subscribe to them. Would He have me
deny myself? Would He have me mortify sin? I
am content to do anything—just so that I may
have Christ!" Hypocrites would have Christ—but
they will not part with their beloved lust for Him!
The hypocrite does not desire grace for itself.
He desires grace—only as a bridge to lead him
over to heaven. He does not so much search
after grace—as glory. He does not so much
desire the way of righteousness—as the crown
of righteousness. His desire is not to be made
like Christ—but to reign with Christ. This is the
hypocrite's desire.
But a child of God desires grace for itself, and
Christ for Himself. To a believer, not only is
heaven precious—but Christ is precious, "Yes, He
is very precious to you who believe!" 1 Peter 2:7