Few plots move readers without the themes of sacrifice, love and justice. Why is this? What is it about a lover’s undying perseverance in pursuit of another that moves us to tears in the theaters? Why is it that when a man on the silver screen spends years searching after a lost love, women swoon with emotion and even the most stoic of men is at least challenged in the display of his affection?
It all goes back to the original story, the first story of pursuit, sacrifice and love driven to the point of death. Today, thousands walk the streets, unaware of a Lover who has paid the greatest of debts so that He may penetrate our lives, declare His love and reconcile us to a God we have chosen to push aside. In fact, not only were we ignorant of His declaration, we were enemies of God (Rom 5:10), as declared by our representative, Adam (Rom 5:14). Like a bratty child, kicking and screaming “I hate you, I hate you”, we rejected the only One able to bring hope, peace and reconciliation.
But hope was not lost. On account of our Lover’s actions, the very One we offended has reconciled us to Himself. He has pursued us to the point of death, even death on a cross so that we may not continue wandering along without meaning and purpose, but may be given a new name and declared righteous.
Upon contemplation of this moving storyline, one ransomed soul wrote “Though satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control; that Christ has regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul”.
No matter where you are as you read this, or how desperate your situation may be, you can be assured that One has pursued you to the point of death, so that you may be given true life. Hollywood can never duplicate that.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Lessons from John part 1 - John the Baptizer
Yikes, it's been a while since we updated this blog. I have been preparing for a class on the Gospel of John and thought it would be good to share what God has been teaching me through this study.
One of the most startling figures in all of scripture is this wild-eyed, crazy haired, sugar-filled, bug-eating man who ushered in the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. If an earthly king had to choose someone to announce his arrival, I'm pretty sure he would not have chosen John the Baptist. No doubt, John scared alot of people and probably made them question their perspective of God.
John is truly the last of the Old Testament prophets (Luke 16:16). His message is one of personal repentance. Up to this point, the idea of sin had been associated with individual sins which must be atoned for, usually on a regular basis. But John introduces the idea that sin is not just a specific action or one-time event, but an infectious disease which needs to be cured. John's message to the people is that we (and religion) are broken and are desperately in need of a Savior.
I can only imagine what it would have been like for the unexpecting observer who approaches John (probably more for curiousity than reconciliation). I imagine John would have been loud, brash and confrontational when it came to sin. In our modern day of seeker-sensitive churches that serve lattes while you worship, and minimize the offense of a sermon, many of us would have rejected John as any type of forerunner of Christ.
I need people like John. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all do. I need to be reminded that in my natural state, I am broken and in need of a Savior. I cannot make it on my own, I cannot reach salvation outside of the shed blood of Christ. I hope I have not become too comfortable as to reject the "Johns" of my life.
One of the most startling figures in all of scripture is this wild-eyed, crazy haired, sugar-filled, bug-eating man who ushered in the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. If an earthly king had to choose someone to announce his arrival, I'm pretty sure he would not have chosen John the Baptist. No doubt, John scared alot of people and probably made them question their perspective of God.
John is truly the last of the Old Testament prophets (Luke 16:16). His message is one of personal repentance. Up to this point, the idea of sin had been associated with individual sins which must be atoned for, usually on a regular basis. But John introduces the idea that sin is not just a specific action or one-time event, but an infectious disease which needs to be cured. John's message to the people is that we (and religion) are broken and are desperately in need of a Savior.
I can only imagine what it would have been like for the unexpecting observer who approaches John (probably more for curiousity than reconciliation). I imagine John would have been loud, brash and confrontational when it came to sin. In our modern day of seeker-sensitive churches that serve lattes while you worship, and minimize the offense of a sermon, many of us would have rejected John as any type of forerunner of Christ.
I need people like John. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all do. I need to be reminded that in my natural state, I am broken and in need of a Savior. I cannot make it on my own, I cannot reach salvation outside of the shed blood of Christ. I hope I have not become too comfortable as to reject the "Johns" of my life.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Man is Walking
Just had to write a quick little note that our little man is now walking. We've been trying to get him to go back and forth between Daddy and Mommy and he took a couple steps, but yesterday at Grandma Merry's he got up to 9 steps and today I've been working with him and he took 14. Now he'll be crusin' everywhere. Yesterday was his 14 month birthday. Maggie walked the day before her 13 month birthday. Yes, we have late bloomers and we're proud of it! :-)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Pictures!
Here are a few shots of our cute kids, their cute cousin and a picture of us celebrating our 7th! anniversary. God is good to us!
Birthdays and Ballet
It's been shamefully long since we've updated. Silas turned one in February. Here are a couple of pictures of he and the babies (and dads) at his firefighter party. In addition to this, Maggie and I took a "Mommy and Me" ballet class along with Mishayla and and Esther. Grandma watched the babies and we had a marvelous time. Ask Maggie to do an arabesque and a pliea for you the next time you see her!
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