Real Sacrifice

I heard an old Jewish proverb about Adam. The story goes that Adam had 1000 years allotted to him by God to live on earth. He was living his life with God in harmony and bliss (as much as he could after the fall). One day God showed him a glimpse of heaven. There was a child that was entertaining God with his music, his dancing, and his poetry. This child was going to be someone great in the world. He was designed to be a powerful leader, a passionate worshipper of God, and a charismatic father. But, God told Adam that he was not going to be born. As Adam questioned God he found that God had used up all the years allot ed to man in this world. This child, God had no years to give. Adam, sensing the necessity of this child being born, offered to give the remaining years of his life. God gave Adam his wish and he took him to heaven at the age of 930 instead of 1000. Years later the greatest king that ever ruled Israel was born. Although David only had 70 years in this world, they were some of the greatest years anyone had ever lived. He became one of the greatest teachers of the worship of God who ever wrote a song. Adam's sacrifice is praised; for what would Israel have been without David?

I like the story. I don't buy all the theology. But, I like the story of sacrifice. How much better the story would have been if they said that Adam gave 30 years up for out Lord and Savior to live on earth? I don't think Adam had to give up years for Jesus, but the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, the lessons that we learned from Him, the worth of His life compared even to David's life, all eclipse any sacrifice or life anyone has ever given. Jesus didn't just live His life (although I am glad He did LIVE), He gave His life for ours. No greater sacrifice has ever been made. No greater life has ever been cut short. We hear of young people dying needlessly every day. Not to belittle the pain it causes, but to know that Jesus died so they could have hope, so their parents could have hope, so their churches could have hope, well...it gives you hope. Let's remember, as we head into the Christmas season, that the Christ child, the Anointed One, held out His life as payment for our lives!

The Buzz

There it goes again. The old saying that bad things happen in three's seems to be ringing true again. Although we have had so many groups of three lately that I have stopped counting. The newest buzz word, though, is terrorism. Well, according to the definition of terrorism, we could label all kinds of acts as threats to our lives that are designed to elicit fear in other's lives. However, what we are calling out is what the Bible tells us we can expect. We are told to expect people we are lead and controlled by the spirit of the ant-Christ. Peter reminds us that there are many who are in that category and will continue to be in that category until Jesus comes.
But, can't we be free from that threat because of whom we belong to? Unfortunately we can't expect to be free from the effects of sin and Satan's controlling efforts until we are in the presence of our Savior.
What do we do then? Like any other threat to our lives (sickness, accident, crazy neighbor [don't go watching their every move now], etc.) we purchase the best insurance available; the peace of God. It doesn't have a deductible, or a co-pay. It doesn't keep you from injury; it only covers you from going completely crazy thinking about all the stuff that could happen. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:7 NIV) But, according to Paul, that doesn't just happen because we love Jesus and He loves us. It happens because we, "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phil 4:6 NIV) As we give our causes for concern over to God, we can wait patiently until He comes for His Church with hope and expectation rather than fear and trepidation.