“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
With Christmas just a couple weeks away, I’ve been contemplating eternal matters. I’d like to share two different true stories that I experienced a few years ago. They are similar stories but have different endings. Both accounts involve funerals. One involved someone I’d never met, the other a dear friend.
Comments Off on The Comfort of The Suffering Servant
One of my best friend’s son has recently been in the hospital for several weeks. It has been heartbreaking to see their family walk through so much pain and uncertainty. In moments like those, when the weight of our struggles feels overwhelming, I find myself praying. I pray for the Lord to help us see that suffering, while deeply painful, is never without meaning. Equally important, we are never beyond the reach of our Great Comforter.
A quote (often attributed to Augustine of Hippo) comes to mind: “God had one Son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.”
“ALL means ALL, and that’s ALL ALL means.” If you’ve been going to The Rock Church for very long, you have probably heard this catchy saying. And you’ve also probably heard that today is Election Day. Perhaps, if you’re like me, you may even feel a sense of relief that this day has finally arrived.
The current political environment reminds me of the time an undertow in the ocean caught me. I am a capable swimmer but I felt somewhat out of control as the waves tossed me head over heels under the water. As the tide rolled away, I could stand and get my bearings again. In much the same way, no matter how this day unfolds, I know where to find my bearings. I believe we ALL will remain under the authority of King Jesus. These verses help me immensely. I have used the NLT version and capitalized and underlined the word ALL for emphasis.
“Instead, 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 11:16 NIV84)
Mary and I recently returned from a delightful vacation in one of our favorite places — Boothbay Harbor, Maine. We had a fantastic time; however, I must admit, the many lobsters I enjoyed didn’t have the same fate!
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1
The election season is undoubtedly upon us. And it’s evident that the outcome of the election will be challenging to many. Some will be surprised as well as disappointed. At the same time, many will be angry. On the other hand, many of your fellow Americans will be elated and overjoyed.
As one of your pastors, I want to remind you of something. Above all, no matter what side of the aisle you choose to be on, our all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God is in control. No matter who you vote for (and you should vote), only God’s selection is the one that counts. Biblically, we ultimately believe that God is the one who “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:20-21). For this reason, our trust needs to be in Him, not in any political leader.
The Bible clearly states that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1). Knowing this gives me much peace and confidence for the days ahead. I can surely rest in the loving and strong hands of my Savior. The Lord knows what He is doing. Therefore, I can obey and submit to the many authorities set up by our one true King.
Don’t Worry…Pray
We really shouldn’t worry, get angry, or freak out. Instead, God commands us to pray for our leaders. Pray for all those in authority. It says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Pray and don’t fret. To put it simply, this should be our proper response, no matter what the outcome of the elections is.
I have prayed pretty consistently for our political leaders over the years. Not because I agree with their policies or their ideological leanings. On the contrary, it’s sometimes quite the opposite. I pray for them because I fear God, and He commands me to pray. When I do, it’s because I trust in God, not our government.
As you contemplate the future of your life and our country, let me specifically encourage you to apply faith. And as you negotiate your emotional reaction to the upcoming election results, let me encourage you to apply faith. You can do that by trusting in our all-powerful God. He alone sets up kings. Do not fear. Instead, pray for the newly God-appointed leadership of our country.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” — John 15:12
As I write this, I am in a hotel room with my wife and three amazing kids. It has become a summer tradition for my family (along with our extended family) to journey to Lake Powell for our annual “Croswhites Do Lake Powell” family reunion.
Ephesians 1:15-21 is a set of verses that really encourages me. We glimpse Paul’s heart and his thankfulness for the church in Ephesus! He speaks with gratitude and hope. On top of that, he deeply desires the saints to continue their spiritual growth.
First, Paul starts by expressing his gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith in Jesus. At the same time, he also expresses thanks for their love for the saints.
I’ve always had a passion for all things boards. From the freedom of skateboarding through city parks to carving fresh powder on snow-capped mountains. Not to mention the rhythm of surfing ocean waves. Without a doubt, it’s a thrill like no other. I love feeling the wind rushing against my face. Strangely, times like this are also when I find myself in deep prayer. Yes, you read that right; I absolutely connect with God profoundly while gliding on a board!
“This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” — Psalm 56:9-11
Reading this verse, I was particularly encouraged by it. David says, “This I KNOW — God is on my side!” He also said that he praises God for what He has promised.
Christian, do YOU know that the GOD of the universe, the author of all that is good, wonderful, and right, the maker of Heaven and Earth, is ON YOUR SIDE?!
