Reluctant Retiree

We just returned home after more than two weeks traveling in the southeastern US. We spent a week in Atlanta with family, five days doing disaster relief work in Louisiana, and a few days with extended family in southern Indiana. Every day and every person blessed us. However, our elderly bodies are worn out and we are tired.

Our tired bodies remind me of the resurrected bodies that God has planned for us and our heavenly home that He is preparing for us who trust in Jesus Christ. Our new bodies will not tire, wear out or even suffer pain. Our new home will be glorious in every aspect. But the best part, and what we are groaning to receive, is the presence of our God.

The apostle Paul said, “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” My tent, earthly body, is most definitely wearing out, but my heavenly dwelling is secured by faith in Jesus Christ, eternal, made for me by my loving God.

Today is Easter, a special day for Christians. We celebrate to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians live in a vital living relationship with God through the risen and living Son of God.

In Mark 8:29 Jesus asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” This question is the most important one we must consider in life. Either Jesus is God as He claimed. In which case, we must follow Him with our whole heart. Or He is a liar and deceiver who should be rejected and ignored.

While there is sufficient evidence to prove His claim to be God, ultimately our answer to His question depends upon faith. Eternal life and salvation depend upon our exercise of faith. This Easter consider your answer to the question of who Jesus is. Your life depends on it.

In our world today we find numerous leaders violating human rights, destroying lives, and serving themselves rather than the people that they claim to serve. These leaders acquire huge fortunes while their people starve and are denied basic needs. Many are dying of malnutrition or at the hands of violence. Even in our country, some leaders are becoming wealthy while their constituents suffer.

This is not leadership! This is only blind ambition and greed.

Jesus described a different leadership model when he said, “But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Jesus’ teachings often contradicted the culture of His time and still contradict our culture. Jesus proclaimed that a true leader is one who serves his followers. To be great we must first develop a lowly mindset and a commitment to serve. Serving others is the first step toward effective and admirable leadership.

Have you ever had an occasion to wait eagerly for something in the mail or a delivery? Perhaps you waited for some big check that was needed to pay bills. Or maybe you anticipated a package of something you ordered online or a gift someone purchased for you. The anticipation builds until the expectation is fulfilled. Sometimes anxiety and fear also increase when the awaited things are absolutely necessary.

The Gospel of Mark tells the story of the father of a very sick child. He eagerly sought healing for his child. He brought the child to Jesus’disciples for healing. However, the disciples were unable to help the child. Jesus finally arrives on the scene and the following discussion ensues with the father speaking, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us’. And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief.'”

For those who believe in Jesus, we can do all things in faith. Jesus even provides the faith to believe. Apart from faith, we can do not produce any good works. Trusting in Jesus provides us with salvation, certainly, but also the power to do righteous deeds.

My wife and I live in Indiana, primarily to be close to two of our children and five of our grandkids. We try to visit our other son’s family as often as we can. One of our favorite things to do is enjoy the sports, music programs, and other events that our grandkids participate in. It is a joy to watch them give their best and often do well in the things that they enjoy.

I wonder how often we enjoy the success of others in different venues. If a coworker gets promoted, due we feel truly good for them beyond a cursory “Congratulations!”? If a friend buys a new car, one that we can’t afford, do we feel happy for them or just jealous.

God has a different view of the well-being of people. Psalm 35:27 says, “Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, ‘Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!'” God is exceedingly happy to take care of the welfare of His servants, those who delight in His righteousness. What gives us joy, gives Him even more joy. When we bear fruit for Him, He celebrates with all of heaven.