Reluctant Retiree

A battery for an electronic device or toy eventually runs out of power and dies. A car only has power when it is in good working order and has plenty of fuel. Human beings have a limited life span that weakens as we get older. Some energy sources are renewable but specific conditions must be met.

Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Using only His spoken word, God created all things. As He led His people out of Egypt, He performed miracle after miracle, including the parting of the Red Sea and stopping the flow of the River Jordan. His power has never diminished.

Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things.” Resurrection Sunday reminds us of God’s great power. It should also remind us that God wants to do great things for us. We should trust Him to use His great power to do great things.

People celebrate Easter in many ways and for many reasons. Most have family gatherings and lots of food. Some will have Easter egg hunts. Many will go to church. Unfortunately, many will simply ignore the significance of this day.

Mark 16 tells the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some followers of Jesus went to the tomb bringing spices to anoint the body of the crucified Jesus. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb entrance. Then Mark writes, “And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.'”

Easter is not a cute story of bunnies and eggs. It is the life giving and life changing story of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He did die a horrible death on the cross. And His blood provides the salvation that we all need. But He does not remain dead and in the grave. He is risen indeed! It is His resurrection that gives life to those who believe. It is the resurrection of Jesus that gives us hope for eternity and life today. This is cause for celebration!

If you have ever been in a position of leadership or management, you have been given stewardship over resources and responsibilities. Furthermore, you have entrusted others with a stewardship over their responsibilities and resources. In both cases, it is expected that these stewards faithfully manage the stewardship they have been given. Neglectful use and management of the resources and responsibilities usually incur serious consequences.

I Corinthians 4:1-2 says, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” Believers in Jesus Christ have been given wonderful blessings and honor as children of God. We are also considered by God to be stewards of these blessings. We must multiply the blessings by investing them in the lives of others so that they can share in them. Faithfully sharing our blessings and thereby multiplying them bring God glory and a high return on His investment in us.

We can be jealous or envious in a number of ways. We may desire what another person possesses. We may want the admiration directed toward another person directed our way. We may want the honor afforded to another. We may simply want to be like another person.

I Corinthians 3:3 says, “For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” Jealousy is a uniquely human experience. All of us exhibit this dangerous desire in many ways. Jealousy is a self-centered emotion that usually leads to disputes.

Only the person who trusts God can diminish jealousy tendencies. When we trust God to provide what we need, we are not desirous of what others possess. He will faithfully provide for our needs. God-centered focus removes the source of arguments caused by jealousy.

When we lived in Nepal, merchants had several price levels. The foreigner was charged the highest price, Nepalis were charged a lower price, but the best price was given to those of the same people group. We have similar pricing in the United States, as certain people can receive a discount if they qualify in some way defined by the merchant. However, charging different prices based upon ethnicity is forbidden by law.

James 2:9 says, “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” God does not show partiality in imparting His grace and love. The Bible says, “Whosoever may come”, meaning all are welcomed by God into His salvation and redemption. Therefore, we cannot show partiality in our friendships, service to others, and love. Just as we have freely received from the Lord, we must also give to others.