Reluctant Retiree

When we learn something new, we say that we have been enlightened. Those lights can come from books, teachers, friends, experiences, and many other sources. But the quality of the enlightenment is dependent upon the wisdom of the source. Are we truly enlightened when we learn gossip, rumors, or false teaching or lies?

John 1:9-12 says, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” The true light, who enlightens everyone to the truth, is Jesus. He reveals the wisdom and knowledge of God. He is Truth and His light gives us life. Thus enlightened and therefore believing we actually become children of God.

If you knew that this is the last week you would live, what question would you want to have answered? What question would you want your loved ones to answer before you left?

Jesus knew that His life on earth was coming to an end? He had spent three years building up His disciples, pouring His life into them. He had this question for them before His crucifixion; “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) Their futures and eternity weighed in the balance, depending on their answer.

The direction of our lives and how we will spend eternity depends upon our answer to this question. How we answer this question each moment reveals our level of trust in God and how we will respond to Him in the moment. How we respond to this question determines whether we will spend eternity with God or separated from Him. “Who do you say that Jesus is?” is the most important question you will ever answer. I would like to hear your answer, so please respond to this post with your answer.

In these times many voices are speaking to us. Crowds jam the streets and marketplaces and with loud voices make demands. News coverage publish their demands and promote their agendas. Because of their loud voices and frequent demands we can fall prey to their thinking and follow the crowds.

The Roman governor, Pilate, did just that. He found no guilt in Jesus and wanted to free Him, but He listened to the crowds. Luke 23:23-24 says, “But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.” Don’t listen to the voice of the crowds that will make you do what you don’t want to do. Instead, And Joshua said to the people of Israel, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.” Joshua 3:9 We must search out the voice of God and follow His voice. Then we will walk in righteousness and glorify God. Then we will find joy and peace.

I hike most every morning and often get to see the sunrise as I am walking. I find sunrises to be outstanding flashes of God’s glory. In my mind, I can see God painting each sunrise. Each one is different and spectacular. They even vary from place to place and from time to time. God’s imagination is endless and unstoppable. His hand paints with majestic strokes on the canvas of the heavens.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Open your eyes and take time to observe how God is working around you and in your life every day. Simple things like the beauty of a sunrise or the soft mist of an autumn rain declare His glory.

When our children were young we would have several days of Christmas every year. First came Christmas with my family in the weeks leading up to Christmas, as my family never seemed to celebrate special days on the actual day of the event. Then, on Christmas Eve we celebrated Christmas with my wife’s family. And finally, on Christmas morning we celebrated a traditional Christmas with just our little family. At each celebration the kids were lavished with gifts from grandparents and parents. For them it was gifts upon gifts, seemingly without end.

John 1:16 says, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Grace is undeserved favor.  God loves you so much that He is constantly drawing from His vast treasure of grace to give you undeserved favor. His gifts of grace are truly never-ending.