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My Two Cents
by Rev Chuck Behrens
April, 2015
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Past Articles |
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Airlines are having a lot
of problems, but they've managed to keep something that's pretty valuable
to those that fly a lot. It's those frequent flyer deals, and sometimes
you can actually get a kind of a free pass to fly somewhere for nothing!
I have never gotten one of those coupons but I know it would have entitled
me to an upgrade to a first class seat on a future flight. And that would
be a privilege really appreciated when I've got a lot of major work to get
done. They would even let me board before any other passengers. I would
get a lot of dirty looks, but it might be nice. And that would mean I
could get right to work on the plane instead of standing in line.
Now you could be saying, "Well, wouldn't you be special, Chuck?" Well
listen, there's nothing special about me that would get me those special
privileges, except that when you're a frequent flyer on this airline, they
give this kind of reward to anyone who flies a lot and does it
consistently with them. See, the airlines want to train us to think one
simple thought, customer loyalty pays off! But, alas, I AM NOT A FREQUENT
FLIER!
The benefits belong to those who keep traveling with the same people. And
long before there were airlines, some Jewish women discovered that as they
followed Jesus. Here's the scene: the crucifixion of Jesus, where most of
those who had been with Jesus had taken off. But the Bible says, "Many
women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from
Galilee to care for His needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the
mother of James and Jesus." They'd followed Jesus loyally through all
those journeys, all those miracles, all those life-changing lessons, and
the glory of Palm Sunday only five days earlier. And now, when it looks as
if all is lost and there is no reason to hang on, there they are at the
cross.
Jesus has died now; it is over. Even though Jesus is buried in a borrowed
tomb, the Bible says, "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting
there opposite the tomb." Still loyal, when all hope seems to be gone.
Then, of course, on that incredible Resurrection Day, "Mary Magdalene and
the other Mary went to look at the tomb." Because of their tenacious
loyalty to Jesus, these women (not any of Jesus' 12 disciples) are the
first to see the empty tomb.
And then the greatest joy of all, "The women hurried away from the tomb,
afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus
met them." What may be the greatest thrill, the greatest privilege in all
of human history, to be the first ones to ever see Jesus alive again!
Those who have been His loyal followers through it all - they get that
honor; they get the privilege! Like a passenger loyal to one airline, they
enjoy benefits that only the loyal experience.
Because they've stuck with Jesus when there seemed to be no reason to,
they get to see Him as no others have seen Him, and they experience the
unspeakable joy that is reserved for those who were faithful when it was
totally dark. And you know, that is still the experience of those who will
stay with Jesus through the valley, the victories, the pain, the
unanswered questions, the as yet unanswered prayers. When you do, you get
to see Jesus in all His power and all of His glory.
But maybe for you, the resurrection day hasn't come yet. You're still in
the time of the cross right now, or the time of the tomb, the time where
there seems to be no hope, no reason. Maybe you're suffering from
faithfulness fatigue. You've hung on, but it's getting harder to keep
hanging on. And the Lord knows how hard it is right now.
So He has sent you this reminder that the greatest benefits go to those
who stay with Jesus, no matter what. He has some wonderful blessings, some
unspeakable joy, and some tremendous rewards for you if you'll stay
faithful for a few more miles. In the words of Galatians 6:9, "Let us not
become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up."
The best rewards Jesus has to give are for those who fly faithfully with
Him through it all. WE ARE THE EASTER PEOPLE...Let's never Live any way
LESS!
See you in Church,
Rev. Chuck
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