The Wedding

 "You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:11

    It was dubbed "The Wedding of the Centuries," and since I was a skillful writer, I was chosen to cover the story. It was the chance of a lifetime, a most coveted opportunity, one I was beyond excited to report.

    Taking my seat among the others of the press box, I breathed a sigh of relief for having the necessary credentials for admittance to the gala of such magnanimous opulence. This regal wedding had no precedence, for no other such occasion could begin to rival the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

    The King of kings, also known as the Great I Am and the Lion of Judah, had chosen a bride whom, we had heard, He will crown with love and compassion, replacing her raiment of ashes and despair. Every ear had heard about this, but no eye had yet seen.

    So we waited. Cameras poised. Pens in hand. Then, as the symphony of stringed instruments ebbed and flowed, the aromas of myrrh and aloes, comingled with cassia, announced His arrival. Every knee bowed as the Bridegroom, clothed in splendor and majesty, strode from His chamber, his sword girded on his side. Like the sun that rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other, nothing was deprived of His warmth.

    Jesus Christ, who had ridden forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice, had been given the place of authority at the right hand of God. The kingdom of the world had become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and with the scepter of justice, He shall reign forever and ever. His right hand achieved awesome deeds; sharp arrows had pierced the hearts of the King's enemies. The nations had fallen beneath His feet! His throne, where palaces were adorned with ivory, will last forever and ever. And now, in the fullness of time, with the last enemy having become His footstool, the King had come for his bride.

    Who was she, this most honored of all women? Who was this Princess, all glorious within her chamber, who had kept her lamp filled with oil and the wick trimmed while her Kinsman-Redeemer went to prepare a place for her? Rumor had it she had made herself ready; fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. The media leaked that she had adorned herself with her jewels and her gown was interwoven with the gold of Ophir.

    From my seat in the press box, I had been writing what I was witnessing at a frenzied pace, not wanting to miss one detail of the scene, but now this pregnant pause poised my pen above paper as we all awaited the arrival of the bride.

    Behold! What was this unexpected commotion to my left? I turned to see the steward of the King coming to me with an urgent message:

    "Listen, daughter," he began, "and pay careful attention. Forget your people and your father's house. Let the King be enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord." I could not believe my ears, but he continued. "Because you made peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you have gained access by faith into this grace in which you now stand. In embroidered garments, you will be led to the King, followed by your virgin companions. You will enter the palace of the King in joy and gladness!"

    Me? I am the Bride of Christ?! It seemed incredible that this lowly reporter, seated at the very end of the press box, was worthy to occupy the seat of honor at the banquet table.

    As I rose on shaky legs, I heard the steward say, "Come!" to others that had been chosen since before the creation of the world. "Come! Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." We, who believed in the death and resurrection of Jesus, were all the bride of Christ.

    As we shed our earthly tents, we donned the righteous robes of Christ for, without the proper attire, the King will tie that interloper hand and foot and throw him into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

    What a happy throng we made, this heavenly host arrayed in white. We joined the chorus of angels singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." As we filed into the great banquet hall, God Himself dwelt among us, making sure to wipe any tears from our eyes. Those days of mourning, crying or pain had passed away.

    An angel graciously helped me find my place at the long table, heavy laden with fresh flowers and the richest of fare. Golden plates gleamed and crystal stemware sparkled by the light of the Son. My heart skipped with joy when I espied my name card at the center of the place setting. My name! Inscribed beneath were these words:

 "I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name. You are mine."

Love, Jesus

Scriptures were drawn from: Psalm 45, Psalm 19:5, Isaiah 43:1, 54:5, 55:2, 61:10, 62:5, Matthew 22: 1-14, 25:5, John 14: 2-3, Romans 5:2, Philippians 2:10, Hebrews 10:13, Revelation 4:8, 11:15, 19:7, 21: 2-9, 22:17

    

How to be a Know-It-All

 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

    On June 7, 1996, my parents gifted me with a Bible. On the dedication page, my mom wrote the reference to the verse above, the last written words of the Apostle Peter. 

    Like the impetuous Peter, I sometimes think I know-it-all. I can relate to him when he drew a sword in the Gethsemane garden in defense of Jesus (John 18:10). I'd like to think I'd be ready to follow my Lord fervently, even to prison and martyrdom (Luke 22:33). If we're honest, any of us would rather be remembered as being heroic than being the one who denied even knowing Christ (Luke 22:57). Like Peter, my hopes would also be blotted out by the blood of an executed Messiah.

    That's why Peter's advice above keeps coming back to me; these are words of wisdom spoken by someone who knows. There are two keys to unlocking the wisdom. First, I must grow in grace. This requires humility, a stepping-aside in love to be a better listener, to get off my high horse and wash the feet of others (John 13:14). Second, I give Him the glory both now and forever! Apart from Jesus, I can do nothing (John 15:5).

    When Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus, he said, "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19, emphasis added)

    Upon reading that, I wondered how I can know something that "surpasses knowledge"? 

    It wasn't until I looked back upon the doodle I had made when journaling the verse. I had drawn a horizontal line to demonstrate how wide and how long is the love of Christ. Then, I had drawn a vertical line to express how high and deep it is. Lo and behold, there before me was a cross!

    If I want to be a know-it-all, I must set aside my Bible and just bask in the Presence of Christ, to let His love pour over me. 

    Life goes full circle. Before the Fall of Mankind, Adam used to walk with God in the cool of the day, perhaps talking about the animals or gazing up at the galaxies in wonder. Since sin entered in, God and Man have pined for one another, keenly missing the blessing of that fellowship. Thanks be to God, the bridge has been mended by the Cross! The vertical and the horizontal meet in the middle as the vortex of history swirls around Calvary. 

    When the ascended Christ restored the repentant Peter over breakfast on the shores of Galilee, He did so by asking, "Do you love me?" (John 15-19) Jesus asks the same of me and of you before bidding us to "Follow Me." 

    That's when the real learning begins.

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." 1 Corinthians 13:8

     

The Rainbow and the Cross

 "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of the flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2: 13-15

    After Bible study the other night, my friend and I were treated to an awesome sky designed simply to delight us. As we drove home, it was challenging to stay in my lane as I craned to see this spectacle. The dark cloud bank on one end lay in stark contrast to the setting sun at the west, where the brooding bunch reluctantly parted, ushering in a golden splendor that bathed shadowy trees in a holy illumination. 

    As we rounded a bend, the crowning glory came into view as a full rainbow arched across the dramatic vista stealing our breath. By that time, it became clear I needed to pull over to take a picture. After obtaining the best view, I shared it with my friend, lamenting the telephone pole that stood in the way of the otherwise perfect pic. 

    Then my friend wisely commented, "But did you notice the pole is in the shape of a cross?"

    Indeed, what I had perceived as being "in the way" became the focal point of the photograph as the cross, with all its redemptive hope, took center stage over the now secondary rainbow.  It was a blessing to see these two symbols of God's covenants with mankind occupying the same scene. 

    Once home, gratefulness for God's promises filled my heart as I pondered the photo.

    After the great flood, God said to Noah, "Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life." (Genesis 9: 14-15) 

    Just as the ark saved Noah and his family, the blood of Christ provided salvation to all who believe in His name. As Jesus said at the Last Supper, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:20) By His death on the cross, He ushered in the new covenant spoken of in the Old Testament when God said, "I will be their God and they will be my people...For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." (Jeremiah 31: 33-34)

    How many people have stumbled over the cross, seeing it as an offense that is "in the way" rather than the very thing that has the power to save them from an eternal doom? My prayer is that the love of God breaks through their clouded heart with holy illumination, accepting Jesus as their personal Savior.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18   

    

Land of Their Dreams

 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

    When the realtor first showed us the home we ended up buying ten years ago, the goosebumps on my arms told me this was the right place for us. And it's true; we are very content here.

    Be that as it may, this is not my dream home. That is yet to come!

    A friend gave me this poem while at church yesterday. It's too divine to keep to myself:

Some glorious morning they will come

From all nations, from every generation;

Side by side, they will march

Into the celestial city of Jehovah.

And in perfect harmony

They will begin humming a new song,

A song composed by God, arranged for his children.

As the saved by grace approach the land of their dreams,

The Host of heaven will step aside;

Even the angels will be silent,

For they cannot sing this new song,

For it is a song reserved for voices

Who once cried out for the Redeemer -

Those washed in the blood of the Lamb -  

Yes, these are the Redeemed.

    As I was pulling weeds this morning, I kept thinking about "the land of their dreams." Tis the place Jesus spoke of in John chapter 14: "My Father's house has many rooms...I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

    If you are bogged down by a mundane task today, or troubled by grave circumstances, lift your hearts to God and let Him remind you of the dream home you will someday occupy as one of the Redeemed. Then go out and tell others of the wonderous things God has done in your life. Maybe they will come, too. There will be plenty of room (and no weeds!)

"And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 35: 8-10

Martha, Martha

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11: 25-26)

        If you recall the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, then you would remember the sister, Martha, to whom Jesus spoke the words above. When the stone covering the tomb was rolled away, the stench of death assaulted her nostrils, confirming the gruesome reality of death. Rooted to her spot, Martha gaped in horror mingled with wonder after Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth. "What would happen?" she may have pondered, "Is this for real?"

    Imagine the irrevocable shock she experienced when she saw her bound brother stepping out into the sunlight as Jesus ordered, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

    Though the Scriptures make no mention of Martha being present in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified, I wonder what she would have thought as she puzzled over His death, recalling His words, "I am the resurrection and the life." How could He have raised Lazarus only to now be the One in the tomb? What of the promise He had made about never dying?

    I imagine Jesus, who knows the contents of the heart, chiding her softly: "Martha, Martha, did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40, emphasis added)

    What do you believe? What does Jesus mean to you? Was He just a prophet who spoke memorable adages to live by? Or was He the Son of God who laid down His life for sinners, only to take it back up again, leaving behind a tidy pile of grave clothes? 

    What happened on that first day of the week in Jerusalem that day changed everything. It was more than just a supernatural event. The resurrection of Jesus Christ claimed the victory over the grave for all who believe. 

    Getting back to Martha, imagine if she were one of the five hundred to whom Jesus appeared before His ascension. Would there be any ceiling on her joy? Should we have any limits on ours?

    Take off the grave clothes! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people's disgrace from all the earth." Isaiah 25: 7-8 

Funny Honey

 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life." 1 John 5: 11, 12

"Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" John 8: 31, 32

Amber and pure,

The scent of allure;

Will it be sweet?

Or a snare of deceit?

That is a question for the ants.

    I hate killing things. If I see a free range spider in the house, I trap it in an inverted glass for release outdoors because I figure we are all God's creation. He gave to mankind the charge to "rule over all the creatures that move along the ground." (Genesis 1:26)

    So, when spring's arrival begat the annual migration of sugar ants into our home, I tried to be tolerant of their trespass until they swarmed the honey jar. As their "ruler," I declared war solely born of territorial frustration. 

    The honey jar was surreptitiously replaced by a liquid ant bait which bore much resemblance to a honey jar invitingly laid open on its side. As I henceforth eyed the doomed swarm, I do confess my deceitful trick filled me with guilt, knowing they were carrying poison back to their hungry families. But, the trick worked and they stopped coming.

    This illustrates the spiritual battle that rages about us every day and, sadly, I represent the devil in the story. Jesus said of our adversary, "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44) 

    Satan has no original ideas, so he counterfeits whatever God has done. If God declares that Jesus is the only way to heaven, Satan is replacing the honey jar with the lie of interfaith harmony and religious diversity. Therefore, we have people like Oprah Winfrey who say, "There can't possibly be only one way" to heaven. 

    For example, this newspaper headline caught my eye a few months ago: "Giant Statue of the Buddha in New Jersey becomes Interfaith Hub." This article, found in the religion section, goes on to tell about the 30 foot high statue of Buddha erected a decade ago by a Sri Lankan monk whose dream was to unite people of all faiths. It has since become a hub and a spiritual home for "Buddhists, Hindus and Christians." 

    This, my friend, is some "funny honey," as the ants would say. 

    The article went on to joyously reflect on the religious diversity found there amid the murals and peace garden aflutter in colorful Tibetan prayer flags. One visitor enthused, "Anybody who comes to that temple feels so calm and collected once they see that big Buddha."

    How nice, until they carry that poison home to their families as they travel that wide road that leads to destruction. 

    In his book, "Answers to Questions about Spiritual Warfare," Dr. David Jeremiah said, "Someone once told me that if you want to identify a crooked stick, the best thing you can do is lay a straight stick down next to it." He continued, "That same principle works when dealing with the deceit of Satan. If you will lay the 'straight stick' of God's Word next to what it is you are trying to discern, you will usually be able to identify Satan's deceitful propaganda."

    I urge all to choose life! Don't fall for the deceptions, but put on the full armor of God as found in Ephesians 6: 10-17. It's a matter of life and death, so don't drink Satan's funny honey. 

"The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them, there is great reward." Psalm 19: 9-11

Home

 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

    Houses tell stories. 

    Like finding tattered pages from a book, I have read "excerpts" of the family who lived in my home before me. Written in the concrete of the basement floor are their names, Flo and Ed, along with a date: July 30, 1949. There are also footprints, smaller than mine, imbedded there which bade me to know more about these folks who once walked my floors.

    With a bit of research, I discovered Flo was a kind-hearted second grade teacher. Her husband, Ed, was an amiable man who liked to work with his hands. They had one daughter, Katy, whose name I found etched in the pavement out back, and they are buried in the Mayfield cemetery.

    I imagine Flo, looking out at the back yard as she washed dishes, waving to Ed who walked by with yard tools. Perhaps Katy was there, too, blowing bubbles in the sunshine. A happy family, I'd like to think, whose voices are no longer heard, just as mine will someday be silenced as well, because everything that is seen is temporary.

    That being said, is anything really mine? My car will one day join others in the junkyard. The halls of my home will be occupied by others someday. Even my body is an earthly tent, a temporary house for my soul. 

    So, what's the point? Where do I belong? What do I have in this life?

    What is unseen is eternal. My soul is my only possession that will last and, thanks be to Jesus, I know to Whom it belongs - to the One who has gone to prepare a place for it and has promised to come back and take me to be with Him where He dwells. "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" Jesus said in John 14: 2-3. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am." 

    When I get there, perhaps I will look out at the back yard and wave to passersby, who will return the gesture with a broad smile, because we will have arrived in that better country, a heavenly one. That is where I belong.

    There's no place like home!

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth...They were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11: 13, 16