Monday, September 29

Where O Death...?

Our oldest son has had a cat for almost 20 years and it is like a member of the family for all of us, especially him. But Blacky is not well and he won't be with us much longer.

Death is real and it stings.

In my home this week we're all feeling the sting of death, of loss, of separation, of a security and relationship that will soon be gone and that won't come back. This is the ultimate destiny we each face- for those whom we love- and for ourselves.

We, the human race, have brought on ourselves. Our rebellion and our sin have done it- the wages of sin is death. Death is the ultimate predicament to be resolved, but it will never be eliminated, not by us anyway, no matter how hard we try.

There is an answer, or I should say there is a person who is the answer. Isn't it ironic that so many are offended when they hear the good news- that someone has done what we could never do- has taken the sting out of death.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory?

Saturday, September 27

Your Governor

Who is your governor, your leader? Who will it be after the coming elections? Who will you be trusting to look out for your well being? Obama? McCain? None of the above? Someone else?

Through the prophet Isaiah, God told Israel (and us): "I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler." Perhaps God was referring the coming of the Prince of Peace-of whom Isaiah says, "the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Abraham, by faith, made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country for he was looking forward to the city whose architect and builder is God. He admitted that he was an alien and stranger here on earth.

He walked by faith and he looked forward to a better country, not the one he came from. I'm sure he loved the promised land, but where was his attention focused? At the ground he walked on? On the land where he set up his tent?

His attention was focused and his faith was based in the peace and righteousness of God. All his trust was in Him who called him, not in princes and earthly rulers and the political events of the time.

Sunday, September 21

Preeti's Wedding

Carolyn and I had a wonderful day at Preeti's wedding. The ceremony was focused on Christ-exalting him and worshiping him. How beautiful it was to see a bride and groom's faith and adoration of their Lord expressed so richly on one of the most important days of their lives.