“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 NASB)
Wait! Before you decide to delete this message, let me assure you that there is nothing in it related to Halloween, nothing horrific, nothing hurtful, and nothing horrendous. It is something that will be helpful, focusing on a principle and a provision, both presented to us by our loving Savior, Jesus Christ. There is a true story I have to tell, of course, to start us out; a story that highlight’s the fact that all Jesus’ principles start with self, spread through the home, and become the salt the earth; a salt with spiritual seasoning.
Earlier this week my wife asked me if I would attend an event sponsored by the local United Way organization. Hesitating for only a minute, I hurried to reply and said, “Yes.” My response was based on the principle in Jesus’ words above, “Treat others like you would like to be treated.” Being truthful, I did consider how many church services, speaking engagements, study classes, and special occasions where she had accompanied me, even prior to my 36 years in ministry. How could I say, “No.” This was important to her, once being on an advisory board for the sponsoring organization, but more important, because one of our sons was a celebrity judge, along with three other individuals, including Miss Indiana who is on her way to compete for the title of Miss America. As a side note, showing how we are blessed when we decide to do the right thing, our reserved seating was by this proud, Christian mother; at the same table. It was apparent by the behaviors of this woman and my wife, that we ought to thank God for caring mothers like those two at my table; mothers whose children will surely call them blessed. Now, I don’t want to be too long, so let me tie in the title above. As we walked in the venue of the event, called a “Care-A-Yoke” competition between talented young people from as far as the northeast part of Indiana, an usher looked at us and quickly ascertained somehow that we would not want a band to purchase alcohol. Perhaps some of our radiant light was aglow. After sitting in our table I asked my wife if she would want a box of the endless popcorn and a bottle of water. I waited in line and placed my order. The bartender sets a box of popcorn and two cans in front of me. The cans look like beer. The name of the water is “Liquid Death.” Surely this had to be alcohol, I swiftly surmised. I immediately say, “I wanted water.” The bartender hears the response spoken by me, an individual who request soda or water at wedding for the ceremonial toast, and then he points to the label on the can that says, “Mountain Water,” from the springs of a location known for pure water. I thanked the bartender and felt a little bit less conscious as I took the popcorn and cans of water to our table. All that being said, I would have not had a wonderful evening; not been able to watch talented performers, not had an occasion to poke out my chest as my son was as witty as any American Idol judge, and we would have not met a fellow saint, who by the way will be reading this edition of Mark Writes today. Jesus’ principles, when applied, bring rewarding experiences in multiple way. Try following them!
This meditation is the longest one in a while, but stay with it. We looked at Jesus’ principle, now let’s be reminded of His provision. Jesus made a way that only He could provide by shedding His blood on Calvary’s cross, paying the price for our sins. Yes, His death can be described as the ultimate sacrifice for us. The bottled water reminded me of Jesus and the living water which He had spoken of in a dialogue with the woman at the well in the Gospel of John. It was a “Liquid Death,” incomparable, unimaginable in most cases, and undeserving. Thank God for Jesus! The songwriter said, “Come to this fountain so rich and sweet. Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet.” Do you want to have church yet? Well, you go right ahead and praise the Lord right now! You don’t have to wait until you observe the Lord’s Supper! You can remember what He did for you at this very moment and let that result in you responding in such a way that you live reflecting your new life and rejoicing hat because He lives, you can face today and all your tomorrows with certain hope! Well, “Good Morning!” “Good-bye,” and have a “Good Day.” Be blessed!
“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King