Reluctant Retiree

Romans 8:29-30 says, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

Notice the progression of our salvation. God knew and loved us before the foundation of the world. He transforms us into the image of Jesus. He calls us so that we will be righteous before Him and ultimately glorified with Jesus in Heaven. So salvation is a point in time event when we believe and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. But salvation is also a process of becoming like Jesus and ultimately participating in the glory due His name.

Throughout recorded history mankind has remained hopeful, even through the most dire circumstances. We hear stories of the Fountain of Youth and pursue the dream of neverending youthfulness. Legends, such as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, lead us to search for easy wealth. Nowadays, the millions offered by lotteries cause people to spend hard earned cash in the hope of receiving lots of money.

Matthew 20:32-34 says, “Jesus stopped in the road and called, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord,’ they said, ‘we want to see!’ Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.” Jesus is constantly asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?” He understands your needs and has compassion for you, so bring your needs to Him. He is not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but He will supply your true needs, like the need to be loved and accepted. He can and will heal your brokenness and give you sight to see truth.

We can be emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually moved by any number of events. Lately I have been overwhelmed by watching my grandchildren perform to their best ability in school plays and on the athletic fields. We also can experience many touching feelings while watching our favorite team play or by undertaking in a community event.

Peter, James and John were overwhelmed by terror at something they saw. Jesus had taken them up on the mountain and there He was transfigured so that “his face shone like the sun, and his clothes become white as light.” On top of that these three disciples were suddenly enveloped in a bright cloud and heard a voice from inside the cloud. Matthew 17:5-7 says, “He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them.”

Don’t wait for a bright cloud or a voice from heaven to worship God and behold His glory. Let Jesus touch your life at every moment. Open your heart and your eyes to behold the glory of God in His creation and in the mighty works that He is doing around you. Let your ears be opened to hear what God is speaking to you through His Word and by His Spirit. You will be awestruck at His wonders and His glory.

We all know people who inflate their importance. They boast of their accomplishments and freely speak their opinions, saying that they are telling it like it is, when they are only speaking from their limited knowledge. Or they may be an athlete pounding their chests and drawing attention to themselves, when it was really the whole team that contributed to their success.

Matthew 19:14 says, “but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'” When we see ourselves as more important or capable than we truly are, then we are moving away from God and are weak in faith. Those who trust themselves, likely do not trust God. To draw near to God we must do so with humility, understanding that He alone has all knowledge and power.

Most parents give loving instructions to their children to help them learn good character attributes and the good things that they should do. Despite the many words we may use in these instructions, our own character and what we do as parents is a better teacher. We can demonstrate compassion for those in need, not just tell our kids to be kind. We can show gratefulness for kindnesses shown to us, not just tell our kids to say, “Thank you!”

Matthew 18:32-33 says, “Then his master summoned him and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should you not have mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'” Let us show mercy to one another, just as Jesus and the Father have shown mercy to us. The Father demonstrated His mercy by sending His own Son to die on the cross in order to redeem us from our sins and give us forgiveness. Having received such a powerful gift of mercy and demonstration of the Father’s mercy, how can we withhold mercy from those who may harm us?