A Funeral Wake-Up Call
Last week, I attended my first funeral in Wales, and despite being warned of what to expect, I walked out of the chapel feeling utterly devastated. The experience left me with a heaviness I hadn't anticipated.
I understand that funerals are occasions of sadness and mourning, and for that reason, I typically avoid them as much as possible. But this one affected me differently than I expected. What saddened me most? Was it the crowd of people waiting outside the chapel, not because there wasn't room but rather because they refused to step foot inside the actual building? Or was it the minister who presented the message that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God; therefore, we can rejoice that we will all be reunited in Heaven?
No wonder it's so difficult to reach these people with the gospel!
The Miracle in the Message
I don't know about you, but I've always had a flair for the dramatic. When I imagine Bible stories, I picture grand moments with heavenly spotlights and perhaps some holy background music. So when I read about Naaman, the mighty Syrian commander with leprosy, I can't help but smile at his reaction to God's healing plan.
For those who may not be as familiar with the story, let me give you a brief overview. Naaman arrives at Elisha's house with horses, chariots, and likely an entourage befitting a military commander. He expects a spectacle, a dramatic ritual with the prophet waving his hands over his diseased skin while calling down fire from heaven.
Instead, Elisha doesn't even come to the door! He sends a messenger with simple instructions: "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean" (2 Kings 5:10).
The Choice
I recently found myself engrossed in a science fiction show that left me pondering some profound spiritual truths. The plot revolved around a desperate rescue mission to save inhabitants of a planet facing imminent destruction from a solar anomaly. The rescuers had a small shuttle that could only accommodate half the population per trip, initially believing they had time for two runs.
As the story unfolded, it became clear they could only make one trip. The planet's leader faced an impossible choice: who would live and who would die? Her solution was a lottery system, a completely random selection. This decision baffled the artificial intelligence that was aiding in the rescue, who argued for choosing those deemed most valuable to society—the scientists, leaders, and others considered "important."
Watching this scenario play out, I couldn't help but marvel at how differently God approaches humanity's salvation
The Immeasurable Mercy of God
As I read this passage in my daily devotions this week, I was reminded of an incredible truth: God's mercy knows no bounds. No one is too far gone for His forgiveness and grace. Not even the wicked King Ahab, as we'll see.
In 1 Kings 21, ruthless Ahab coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth. When Naboth refused to sell it, spiteful Queen Jezebel arranged for Naboth to be falsely accused and stoned to death so Ahab could seize the land.
Yet despite this appalling injustice and all the wickedness Ahab had done in his lifetime, God later showed mercy to Ahab. How? And better yet, why?
Prisoners of Christ, Part Three: Hope in the Darkest Hour
Join me as we conclude our powerful Bible study series on Acts 16:16-34 with a story of hope and redemption. Explore the prison keeper's desperate situation as he wakes up to find the doors open and assumes the worst. Reflect on the relevance of his struggle to the prevalent issue of suicide today.
Discover the life-changing encounter between the prison keeper and Paul, where salvation takes center stage. Witness the relief and transformation that unfold when he realizes the prisoners are still there. Find inspiration in the simplicity of salvation through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.