GETTING READY – Part 3

Scriptures from Matthew 26 - 28

This week’s blog is about the hard stuff and I will understand if you choose to stop reading.  This is the part we skim over.  In our minds, we know what happened but, in our hearts, we can barely comprehend.  We do not want to feel or hear or …. We want to move quickly to Easter, but there is much we need to get ready for.

THE SOUNDS

What sounds do you associate with Easter?  Can you hear the silver drop into Judas’ hand?  Can you hear the crowd and priests making their way to Jesus?  Can you hear the scream of the servant, of the high priest, as his ear is cut off?  Can you hear Peter deny Jesus?  Can you hear the soldier’s staff as it strikes Jesus on the head?  Can you hear the crowd shout crucify him?  Can you hear the sound as the hammer strikes the nail?  Can you hear the cross drop into the ground?

Sounds…. Sounds we do not want to hear.  Sounds we cover up with Hosanna and blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  But there were sounds.  Jesus heard them. 

THE ACTIONS

What actions do you associate with Easter?  The disciples fled.  Jesus was arrested.  The priests accused Jesus and spit on him and hit him.  Judas hung himself.  Pilate washed his hands.  Jesus carried his own cross.  Jesus felt forsaken. 

Actions…. Actions we do not want to see.  Actions we cover up by singing He is Risen and He Lives Forever.  But there were actions.  Jesus suffered them.

THE SEALED TOMB

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.  He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

GETTING READY

We need to get ready for Easter by not sanitizing it.  We must never forget what it cost Jesus.  Getting ready means putting out candy and decorating with cute rabbits, while the tears drop from our eyes and our body stiffens as we remember each sound Jesus heard and each action Jesus suffered.

Getting ready means we do not skip over the verses that are hard to read because …..

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; ….”

Getting ready means we do not skip over the verses that are hard to read because those verses lead to a tomb – an empty tomb.

GETTING READY – Part 2

Scriptures are from Matthew 26:36-46 unless noted

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray”  He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  Stay here and keep watch with me.”

PRAYING

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.  Luke 22:43-44

We hear over and over that Jesus felt everything as a “human” and this scripture certainly backs that up.  What if this passage is reworded for us to pray?

My Father, I do not want ________ (cancer/illness, to be a widow/widower, to fail, to see a loved one hurt, etc.).  Please do not make me go through this but your will be done.

I must admit, my prayers go more like this:

            My Father, I know you have a plan but, really, you are going to heap this on me too?

My Father, I pray this surgery heals our daughter.  Be with the doctors and the nurses and give them skill and wisdom.

            My Father, ……………………..

Thy will be done --- where did Jesus find the strength to pray these words?  He knew the plan.  He knew what was ahead.  Thy will be done --- he prayed.  His sweat like drops of blood.  If Jesus was in anguish, …If the Son of God was overwhelmed with sorrow, how do I find the strength to use the words they will be done?

SLEEPING

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.  So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?  Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.  Rise!  Let us go!  Here comes my betrayer!”

How many miles had the disciples walked with Jesus?  How many hours had they listened as he taught?  How many times had they witnessed the lame walk and the blind see?  How many fish did they pass out to the crowds? 

Jesus asks them to sit and wait while he prays.  This seems like a simple request.  I wonder if Jesus had even begun to pray before the disciple’s eyes closed in sleep. 

I can relate to the disciples.  Many times I have fallen asleep while holding a sick child.  Many times I have fallen asleep in the middle of saying a bedtime prayer.    Yes, I can relate to the disciples.

UNDERSTANDING

Jesus woke them and said, ”…. Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.”

Can you picture the confusion as the disciples woke up?  Can you hear them mutter, “What is Jesus talking about?”  or  “Did I miss something?” 

Even minutes before Jesus was to be arrested, they did not understand. 

Do we?  Do we understand how Jesus could pray, “…thy will be done.”?  Do we understand the whole Easter story or do we want to only understand the time after the cross?

GETTING READY – Part 1

I am amazed at how long it takes to get ready to do --- to do... just about anything. 

Time to go on vacation means:  Decide where to go, make reservations, map out a route, stop the mail and the papers, pack, go to the bank, fill the gas tank, make sure you have all the kids, and depart.

Time to do spring cleaning means:  Check for cleaning supplies, go to store, decide where to begin, move all the items out of the room that do not belong there, and wait till tomorrow because, now, it is too late in the day to start.

Even an everyday chore can take time.  Time to fix a meal:  Decide what to fix, change the menu because no one else wants that, look for ingredients, change the menu again because certain items are not where they belong, finally reach for the eggs, and fix breakfast for dinner.

Time to prepare for Easter:  Look at the calendar, realize Easter is in two weeks, panic, order the ham or make reservations, go shopping, go shopping again because the perfect Easter outfit was not there the first trip, remember to go to Maundy Thursday Service but decide you can skip Good Friday Service, set the table, put the ham in the oven, spill something on the new outfit and change into the best you have (Why the best?  Because there will be people there you have not seen since last Easter.), and, finally, leave for church.

GETTING READY JESUS’ WAY

What an interesting thought.  Getting ready Jesus’ way. 

Time to prepare:  Tell the disciples again and again and again that I will be condemned to death, mocked, flogged, crucified, and raised to life.  I still have time to teach them with parables they can understand. First we have to get to Jerusalem and have the Passover.  Then my time will come.

Reading the scriptures, it struck me that Jesus spent his time making sure the disciples were prepared.  He even washed their feet.  He comforted them.

You know the way to the place where I am going.

Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you

and be with you forever --- the Spirit of truth.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Portions of John 14

GETTING READY

Time to prepare for Easter:  Honestly, there is not much wrong with the way we prepare for Easter.   UNLESS – Unless we spend more time preparing for the dinner after church than we spend time:

Finding the way to Jesus

Seeing the Father through Jesus

Receiving the Spirit of truth / the Advocate / the Holy Spirit

Having hearts that are not troubled and not afraid

How do you prepare for Easter?

OH WHAT FUN

There are so many ways to have fun but one of my favorites is called:  EMBARRASS YOUR HUSBAND AND KIDS.

Over the years, I have become quite accomplished in this area.  Sadly, this game only works when they are actually embarrassed.

YOU ARE WEARING WHAT TO CHURCH

Hubby would not walk into church with me the morning I did the children’s story dressed like a clown.  He actually shrunk down into the pew when I stopped beside a totally bald man and polished his head.  (At that time, hubby still had hair so I could not polish his head.  Oh my, that would have sent him through the floor.)  The bald man, on the other hand, took it in stride.

It takes a lot for me to embarrass him now.  He even helps set up pictures when I take Norman Frog on vacation with us.  (For any that do not know, Norman is a stuffed frog that has his own Instagram account.)  He has, pretty much, gotten used to my antics and I am not sure what it would take for him to say, “Honestly, Mary.  You just had to do that didn’t you?” 

TALKING TO STRANGERS

I talk to everyone.  It does not matter if I know them.  Why miss out on a good conversation with a stranger while standing in line at the concert?  Or on the plane?  Or on a cruise?  Or at breakfast.  This used to embarrass our little boy to death!  I would hear a sigh and then the question, “DO YOU HAVE TO TALK TO EVERYONE?”

Well, not now.  He has become my clone.  Our son and I went on a cruise and I swear this kid who thought I was being “nosey” quickly knew half the people on the ship.  As we walked around, he would nod to someone and tell me they were from Canada or Texas or they worked for Amazon or some other fact about them.  No longer could I use talking to strangers to get to him.  I must figure out a new way to get under his skin.

STANDING OUT IN A CROWD

My voice can get a bit loud and, over the years, I have heard, “Mom, everyone is looking.”  Our daughter was and, still is, the easiest to embarrass.  Last Saturday though, she never even blinked.

We were in an antique store in Michigan and she saw a table she liked.  It was then that she made a mistake.  “Mom, will you guard the table while I go ask about it?”  Silly girl!  You see, I found another person who enjoys life.  This seemingly normal woman strolled by the table and I told her, “I am guarding this for my daughter.”  And – are you ready?  She said, “Oh, I should act like I want it.”  As daughter was returning, we began:  I think I like this table.  “No.  My daughter is asking about it and I am holding it for her.”  There is no sold sign.  I want this table.  “There will be a sign as soon as she gets here.”  She is not here now.  “Yes she is.  Tell her this is sold.” 

Embarrassed?  Not in the least.  She smiled at both of us, knowing it was a performance for the embarrass you daughter game.  Drat!  What fun was that?

I DO NOT KNOW THAT PERSON

The embarrass your family game can be fun but sometimes people do not want to admit they know you.  They are embarrassed.

“You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.

But he denied it.  “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said. ….. Again he denied it. ….. “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”

Mark 14: parts of 67 -71

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been embarrassed to admit you know someone?

Are you embarrassed to admit you know Jesus?

EMOTIONS

A group of six women.  Sitting around a table.  Talking.  Those words brought an image to your mind didn’t they?  To that image add a bit of food and a bit of wine.  Now you have the monthly meeting of the W W & W --- WISE WOMEN AND WINE.

The third Thursday, of almost every month, we discuss and the topics have been fantastic.  And before you scoff at this, let me assure you that 99% of the topics are serious.  We have discussed:

• What makes up a community?  (If you think this is a fluff discussion, think again.)
• The death penalty
• Other people’s pain changes our perspective (Let it sink in… tough discussion.)
• School dress codes, abortion, family, separation of church and state
• Almost every subject on ProCon.org

This month’s topic is emotions.  When “emotions” popped into my strange mind as a discussion topic, I thought, “Oh, this will be easy.”  I even printed out four questions and two discussion starters.  I WAS READY!!

Then I made the mistake of googling one simple phrase:  The Pros and Cons of Emotions.  Warning:  Never google unless you want your life to get complicated.  Suddenly a simple topic became … less simple.

One place listed 15 emotions.  Not to be outdone, another listed 57.  57?  There is even a chart showing where 14 emotions are felt in the body. 

I found a debate titled “Emotion is the basis of all decisions.”  “This should be good,” I thought.  Wrong.  I am not a dictionary!  Of course, this educated debate made me laugh, when, after all those words I had to look up, one person ended with:  So would a pilot whose plain --- yes, plain. 

After reading 12 Pros and Cons of Emotional Intelligence, I decided:

• Emotions can help or hinder decision making
• Emotions can be there when you are born or can be learned
• Emotions can be used to help people or to manipulate people

WRAP IT UP

Emotions --- what are we to do with them?  Oh my goodness!  Why did I not go here in the first place?  Silly me!  I used google when I should have used the Bible.

Jesus’ life was full of emotions.  He felt empathy, compassion, happiness, sadness, anger, love, and grief.  He wept, sighed, and groaned.  He was surprised and amazed. 

But – BUT – Jesus did not fear.  He was not anxious.  He did not worry.

Emotions:  What are we to do with them?  Read the Bible.  The answer is there. 

SPOONS, FORKS AND A HIDDEN TREAT

If you know me, you realize I am not a “fancy” person.  I wear jeans.  I do not wear the latest fashions nor carry a $3,000 purse.  My hair is my hair, complete with a stubborn cow lick.  My not so straight fingers look just like my mother’s.  They are what they are, but this means I do not have elegant nails.  Most will agree, I am pretty outspoken.  All this is okay, because all this mixes together and makes ME.

So how did I end up dining at a table like this? 

There were four forks, two spoons, and three knives.  There was a water glass and five – yes five – wine glasses.  There were two napkins rolled together – and they stood up.  I knew right away I was not at my kitchen table.

So how did I end up dining at a table like this?  We were invited to dine at the Chef’s Table.  And dine we did. 

Never fear!  I allowed my chair to be pulled back and trusted that it would be there when I sat down.  I waited for the napkin to be placed on my lap.  I listened as each course and wine pairing was explained. 

I waited for the appetizer and knew which fork to use.

The tomato soup was served and I used the correct spoon.

Two more courses were served.  We were now at four courses and four different wines.  The evening was going splendidly.  Throughout the entire meal – after each course – we knew we were getting closer to the final course:  DESSERT!  We had heard about this dessert and were looking forward to it becoming a reality.

The wine was poured and discussed.  The dessert was placed in front of us. 

  And then …..

It was worth the wait! 

:   :   :   :   :   :   :   :   :   :   :

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look!  God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”     

…showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.  It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.  The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.  The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone …jasper …sapphire …agate …emerald …onyx …ruby …chrysotile …beryl …topaz …turquoise …jacinth …amethyst.  The twelve gates were pearls.  The great street was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Revelation 21:3-4, parts of 10-21

My goodness!  And I thought that little bit of chocolate with ice cream and caramel sauce was something to look forward to.

AT SEA

If you are reading this on Friday, March 8, your feet might be on solid ground but mine will be firmly planted on the deck of a ship.  I am sailing the high seas with our son.  There have been numerous mother/daughter adventures, but this is the first mother/son get-away. 

There were supposed to be a grandchild or two tagging along but work, school and life took that option away and we decided to sail away.  Just the two of us!  (Hubby gets queasy if he stays in the shower too long.  Not quite that bad, but he does not do boats!)

I love cruises.  Someone else cooks.  Someone else cleans the bathroom.  Someone else --- oh, someone else does everything!  It is fun to be pampered!  It is fun to see a new part of God’s world.  It is fun to spend time with someone you have loved since the moment you laid eyes on them.

Having been on a cruise before, I sorta know what to expect.  They will want to see that lovely passport picture.  They will take pictures every time you stick your head out of the room.  (They are sure you will want to purchase each and every one.)  There will be food and more food and more food and more food.  There will be noise!

But, there will be water so blue it is black.  There will be a cozy spot to read that no one else has discovered.  There will be sunsets and sunrises.  There will be excursions to islands and the experience of meeting people.  There will be laughter and there will be exhaustion. 

There will be time together – mother and son – to talk, to play games, to eat, to laugh, and to just be. 

And I am very thankful!

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

This time with our son is truly a gift – a perfect gift!  And I realize all of my adventures are gifts.  Come to think about it……EVERYTHING in my life is a gift from God.

And I am very thankful!

WISE DECISIONS

I often write down snippets when I am reading a book, watching TV or when something pops in my head.  Never know when they will come in handy.  Never know when they will end up in my blog. 

The church we attend had a very special service last Sunday and will have one as equally special this Sunday.  Because we were on vacation and not there, I can only imagine the emotions involved. 

This first snippet is my own:

Hanging onto the past till you have no future

You see, there were two churches, one block apart.  Both churches were built and provided a place of worship.  Both churches hold memories.  Both churches --- saw a decline in attendance.  Leaving behind two denominations, these churches became one fellowship --- but continued to meet in both churches. 

As it became clear that maintaining two buildings was becoming a burden instead of a blessing, this congregation bravely decided that hanging onto the past till they had no future was not an option. 

The second snippet is from the book The Giver, by Lois Lowry: 

Guide the wisdom for the present by memories of the past

Memories of the past --- Memories of the past do include the weddings, the baptisms, the funerals, the fellowship …. BUT memories of the past also include why the churches were built.  The churches were built as a place to worship God.  As a place to pray with a friend.  As a place to cry and celebrate.  As a place to prepare a meal and then join in making that meal disappear.  As a place to hear and study the Word of God. 

The memory of why these churches were built is the wisdom that guided the move for the present and into the future and united members in the decision to work hard, move forward, and continue as one strong body meeting in and maintaining only one building. 

AND NOW

Beginning this coming Sunday, a special service will move the church toward tomorrow. A church united to stand in a small community as a light to those that seek.  As a home to those that believe.  As a place to worship a loving God with song and prayer and sermons and study and, every so often, worship through fellowship over a pot of really good chili.

Urbana Yoke Parish -- You done good!!!

RANDOM THOUGHTS

This week my mind is not blank.  It seems to be jumping from one thought to another.  Not sure where it will land, but let’s begin.

I am looking out a window and wonder about the first time the lady of the house said, “If you would cut a hole in the wall and put in a window, it would sure make it lighter in here.”  Did the man of the house reply, “What is a window?”

There is a jar of marbles sitting on my desk.  They are very colorful and most of them came from playing marbles in grade school.  I would never have won a spelling bee but I was darn good at marbles! 

A grandson and I were coming back from shopping and he asked, “What sports were there for girls when you were in school?”  I told him, “None.”  (I was wrong.  There was a mixed bowling league.)  That made me feel bad.  Then he told me, “You do not drive like a grandma.”  That made me feel better.  Then I looked at the speedometer.

Why do dictionaries have page numbers?

Why do we no longer have phone books?  REALLY…WHY?  Have you tried to find a phone number lately?

What are the odds that the snowplow will come through five minutes after hubby gets the snow off the driveway?

Speaking of odds:  What are the odds the weather man will be right?  Honestly, I would not want to be a weather man – opps – weather person.  You would think the odds would be at least be 50/50 but one little shift in a stream of some sort or other and we go from a forecast of 6 feet of snow to 80 degrees and flooding from the quick thaw. 

Another random odds question:  What are the odds that when you have time to take a nap, a telemarketer will call?  And the phone will ring at the exact moment when the blankie is perfectly covering your toes and chin, the pillow is exactly in the comfortable head position and you are drifting off to dream land.

Now, if you have read this far, I bet you are wondering, “Is she just going to continue or will she find a way to wrap this up?”

WRAP UP:  Today my thoughts were random and I honestly had no idea where they were leading.  Our lives are like that.  We can have a plan and that plan lasts ….that plan lasts.. not very long.  If a plan for the day makes it past noon, you are having a super day.  All the way to five o’clock is amazing.  A plan that hangs in there from the time you arise until you retire for the day, could qualify as a miracle.

EXCEPT FOR – God’s Plan. 

In the beginning God ….

Genesis 1:1

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,”

says the Lord God,

‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8

We might have random thoughts.  Random actions.  Plans that do not hold together.  

BUT NOT GOD.  There is absolutely nothing random about God.  And be assured, God’s plan does not fall apart.

OLD FRIENDS

Every so often I cannot think of anything to write on.  Absolutely blank!  (No comment on my mind being blank allowed.)  Bill was sitting there so I asked him and his reply was OLD FRIENDS.

One of his favorite songs is Willie Nelson’s OLD FRIENDS.  “Old Friends, Lord, when all my work is done, Bless my life, grant me one, Old Friend, Just one Old Friend.”

OLD FRIENDS

What do you see when you look at this picture?  Most likely, you see silly pictures.

What does Bill see?  MEMORIES!

Eugene and Bill have been friends since – a very long time.  They were in school together and they both love farming.  They were not born with silver spoons.  They were born with quirks in their DNA that have given them the ability to farm all night, to know every weed in the northern hemisphere, to run a few strides faster than a bull, and eyes that can see how crooked the neighbor’s rows are while driving on a country road at night.  This DNA quirk has also given them a love for the land and livestock.

Eugene’s wife and I both attended the same high school and, although we knew each other, we were not friends.  Until I married Bill and Brenda married Eugene.  We became friends.  Eugene and Bill say no girls at their high school would have them.  Brenda and I say they had to come to the “town” school to find a couple of girls worth having.

What does Bill see?  MEMORIES!

A friendship can begin anywhere.  Even in a fruit market.  Terry entered our lives.  Terry and Jan entered our lives.  If you think Bill and I have different personalities, you should meet our friends.  But that is another story.  Terry had grown up on a farm and that gave them a starting point.  That starting point soon turned to hunting.  Quail hunting to be exact.

Where we grew up there were a lot of old strip mines and the banks of those old mines were the perfect place for quail.  Let the hunting begin.  The hunting continued and expanded to include hunting in more distant locations.  They would leave.  Hunt.  Enjoy their time.  Come home.  I would freeze the quail and never mention how much a pound the quail cost.  Quail are very small.

BLESS MY LIFE, GRANT ME ONE, OLD FRIEND

How important is a friend?  Especially an old friend?

Proverbs 17:17 first part:  A friend loves at all times.  ALL TIMES!  A friend loves even when you do not see each other for a month, a year or even a few years.  A friend loves when you are grouchy or sad or grieving or happy or joyous.  A friend celebrates with you and a friend allows you to cry.

Proverbs 27:9 – Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.  When I ask Bill what a friend meant to him, he said, “You can share everything.  You can ask personal questions.”  A friend will listen, allow you to ask questions, and give heartfelt advice.  Heartfelt advice that comes from years of knowing things about you that no one else knows.  They know because they are trustworthy.

FRIENDS

I have noticed one thing about friends – true friends.  They do not go away!  When you talk and talk about your problems, they listen.  When you are seriously ill, they care, pray and do all they can.  When life is wonderful, they celebrate with you.  My goodness, even when you are absent from their lives for a period of time, they just take up where they left off.  True friends – they never go away!  Bless their hearts! 

LET’S MAKE A DEAL – ANOTHER WALL STORY FROM JOSHUA

Subtitle:  A PROSTITUTE, A LIE, A DEAL, and A NEW LIFE

THE NEWS

The local gossip told the reporter, “Yes, some say she is “reformed” but, really?  Once a prostitute, always a prostitute.  She can call herself an “innkeeper” but everyone knows what goes on in her house.  I am sure I saw two strangers slip in her door very quickly.  Why would they have to slip in quickly?”

The reporter shook his head and knew he needed to verify what he had heard.  The local gossip was known for spreading fake news, but there was an unusual amount of activity in the area.  He was sure he had seen representatives of the king enter her house.

Stopping one of the men, the reporter asked, “Is there anything wrong?  Do I need to put out a news flash?”

“I am not at liberty to say,” said the man.  Turning his head to make sure no one was listening; he continued quietly, “Off the record, we were sent to tell Rahab to turn over the men who entered her house.  We just missed them.  They had been there but left at dusk.  Rahab said they left the city.  I have no idea where to look.  They could have gone in any direction but we will head toward the Jordan.  Remember this is all off the record.  I better not see it on the morning news.”

The reporter shook his head and told the man, “The king will not like this.  He seems to be afraid of the Israelites.  I do not understand why he is so concerned.  We have a wall.”

AN OLD LIFE

Rahab would not have been voted “The Most Likely to Believe in the One True God.”  Jericho was a wicked city with a corrupt, depraved, pagan culture and Rahab was a willing contributor to that culture.  She did hear a lot from her clients and was ready to take advantage of any opportunity that came her way.

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

Rahab had experience in making deals with men and it was now time to make the deal of her life.

“You can come out now,” Rahab told the two spies.  “The king’s men think you headed out of town.  Before you go to sleep, we need to talk.”

“I have listened to my … my guests.  Word spread quickly of your crossing the Jordan River, your journey and all you have conquered,” Rahab continued.  Feet firmly planted and eyes that would not look away, she made a deal.  “I saved you and you will save my family!  Now how is this going to work?”

THE NEWS

BREAKING NEWS:  “Just in from Jericho, the walls to the city have fallen.  In a unique strategy, the Israelites shouted and the walls came tumbling down.  Everything has been destroyed!  A trader was traveling to Jericho and has called in.  Jacob what have you heard?”

“I was almost to Jericho when I heard a loud shout and the walls began to fall before my very eyes!  I did see one thing that seemed strange.  There was a red cord hanging out a window and two Israelites were leading the prostitute Rahab out of her house.  I think her family was with her, but that is just a guess.  I am not sure what happened after that because I hid behind a rock.”

“Thank you Jacob for that report.  Listeners, this is so hard to report.  A whole city destroyed except for a prostitute’s family.  We will give updates as they come in.  Reporting from Ai, this is First News.”

THE NEW LIFE

Rahab made the deal of a lifetime.  A deal which led to being the wife of Salmon and the mother of Boaz.  Boaz became the father of Obed who was the father of Jesse and Jesse the father of King David.

Rahab made the deal of a lifetime.  It was worth the risk of hiding the spies.  It was worth everything!

A PROSTITUTE, A LIE, A DEAL, and A NEW LIFE

I love the footnote in the NIV for Hebrews 11:31.

“the prostitute Rahab” A designation describing her way of life prior to her newly found father; also a testimony to God’s boundless grace that can reach down and redeem and raise any sinner to eternal dignity.

Wow.  Let’s reword that:

“the sinner Mary” A designation describing Mary’s way of life prior to her newly found Father; also a testimony to God’s boundless grace that reached down and redeemed and raised Mary to eternal dignity.

Can I hear an AMEN!

LIGHT

Last week I ended my blog with:

One person changes their life, which can change a family, which can change a church, which can change a community, which can change a country, which can change the world.

That means we are ______________.

Did you figure out that this week would be “light” or were you wondering what I would come up with?

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  Genesis 1:3

I do not know about you but I am sure glad God made light.  It would be terrible to be in the dark all the time.  Never knowing what was in front of you.  Being afraid to take even a baby step for fear of tripping or falling.  Yup.  Glad God made light.

Have you ever watched the light play on the floor or make rainbows on the wall?  Amazing how the light rays refract and change shape.  Interesting how the light will shine on one place and leave another dark.

Have you ever noticed the sun shining through a tree?  From over 91 million miles away, the light filters through the leaves and branches to change the world below.

Think about walking into a dark room and flipping the switch.  Such a small action.  Such a big difference.  The light comes on and suddenly there are no monsters in the corner.  Suddenly steps become easier because you can see the missed Legos before you step on them.

Jesus teaching his disciples:  “You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.,  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16

NEWS FLASH:  We are that light!  We have received our marching orders.

Mark 1:17 – “Come, follow me,“ Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Matthew 28:18 – Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

(After being rejected by the Jews)  Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly:  “We had to speak the word of God to you first.  Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.  For this is what the Lord has commanded us:  “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ “  When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.  The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.  Acts 13:46-50

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Like it or not we are the light of God!  Inside the church walls and outside, the Holy Spirit shines through us. 

Are we ready to be a light?

Are we ready to fish for people?

Are we ready to made disciples of all nations leading them to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Are we ready to teach all nations to obey all Jesus commanded?

Are we ready to tell others Jesus is with them always?

Are we ready to bring salvation to others?

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Do you know our job will end?  Our job will end when Eden is restored.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.  On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.  And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be any curse.  The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.  There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.  And they will reign for ever and ever.  Revelation 22:1-5

Do you know why we have to do our job?

If we are not the light, how will anyone find their way to Eden?