By Don Crouse
I thought it might be time to talk about real life. We tend to avoid that when things get difficult.
First, you and I are gonna die. That's the reality of living. It's a reality I don't much like, because I enjoy living my life. Sure, I've messed it up in spectacular fashion on numerous occasions, but I still find time to ask God to forgive me and move on. But I find it's those difficult and challenging times that make life the most interesting. I didn't say 'easy', I said 'interesting'... and probably the most enlightening. Regardless, eventually we’re gonna die.
Second, nothing gets us focused like imminent death. So now we have the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at our door, also known as SARS-CoV-2. Most people haven't heard of SARS-CoV-2, because all the media talks about is the coronavirus or COVID 19, which is all very confusing for most of us. The actual disease caused by the virus is COVID 19, AKA the coronavirus disease. The virus causing all the trouble is SARS-CoV-2. If it knocks, don't open the door. Does that help? Still worried about death—I thought so.
The coronavirus has had some major repercussions on our world. One major consequence is that Corona is suspending beer production. Some of you will be hit hard by this. I don't like beer. So the effect of the virus will have no impact on me. I'm truly sorry for the rest of you.
Now I know many people will be appalled by my lack of sensitivity over COVID 19. Don't get me wrong. COVID 19 is very serious for a small percentage of the population. And there will be deaths from the virus. But, the reality is, death comes unexpectedly, at least according to the movie Pollyanna. Watch the movie. And if it does, then live your life like each day is your last! Enjoy it! Even if it’s not... still enjoy it.
Like I stated before, we're gonna die, eventually. It might be COVID 19, or driving to the office, or heart disease (that's how most of us go). But eventually something will kill you. Now, if you don't like the idea of death, you have a couple choices. One is not to die. But as we've seen over the millennia, that has proven to be impossible. The other option is to have eternal life.
Now, if eternal life could be purchased like a life insurance policy, you'd think that kind of coverage would be extremely expensive, but I have some great news—it's FREE! Most of those who believe Jesus’ promise of eternal life notice a significant increase in their well-being. Improved happiness, less stress, and warm fuzzies inside... which is also caused by eating hot feather pillows (please don’t). There's also improved peace and tranquility. It's almost like being on the moon. Google it (Moon… tranquility). And did I mention joy? That's my favorite. I like the joy. You'd be surprised how many people don't. Lots of people tell me they want joy. Yet, I'm not seeing a lot of joyful people. You can tell when you do because they add joy to your life. Anyway, eternal life is a spectacular gift, that’s absolutely free. I don't understand why everyone doesn't have it.
Now I'm at the part where I give you the Bible stuff. If you don't like the Bible stuff, just stop here. However, this is the part where Jesus offers you and me the gift of eternal life.
3:16 God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son that was flesh and blood, born of a woman, and human, like us, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
3:17 And God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him has a chance to be saved.
Okay, eternal life is free, with the proviso that you believe in Jesus Christ and His promise of eternal life.
John 3:16 is probably the most widely quoted text in the Bible. But the second verse, John 3:17 is almost never mentioned in context with it. And it highlights the point that God is for us. He's always been for us. We just haven't always been for Him. Look at the effort we put into hating each other. Look at the nasty things we either do, or endorse, both individually and corporately as a society. We're not happy just getting our way... we want everybody else to know that our way is the right way. Sorry to have to tell you this, but the only way “our way” is the “right way” is if it's God's way.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NKJV)
And since He created everything, He gets to determine what is right.
This is a faithful saying that is worth complete acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. However, I obtained mercy for this reason, that starting with me Jesus Christ might show complete tolerance and patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in Him for everlasting life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16 DCV)
I quoted this passage because it speaks to the extent of the spectacular mess ups you and I can have and still believe in Jesus for everlasting life. Unlike life insurance policies, there are no exclusions based on preexisting conditions.
...whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never thirst. Because the water that I will give them will become a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life inside them. (John 4:14 DCV)
I added that verse because if you and I want eternal life we'll need to drink the water. We're not getting forced to drink anything. We either believe in Jesus and His promise of eternal life or we don’t. Let’s choose life.
In the end we all die. It's how we choose to live that makes the difference. Choose life.
Extremely satisfied believer living the gift,
Don
Original text ©DCrouse 2020