By Van Yandell
Luke 24:46-47 “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
Our front yard is often full of white clover. It certainly appears the seeds are considered a delicacy by our abundant bird population. With soybean and corn fields in every direction, plus the seeds provided by their Creator, the birds for certain, do not go hungry.
We sit on the porch mornings when the temperatures are not excessive. To watch the birds and other wildlife gives us a feeling of witnessing God’s creation in motion.
This morning the driveway was covered in doves, cardinals and robins. A few other species may have been mixed in, but there were so many, it was difficult to distinguish.
The dew was particularly heavy last night and we noticed the birds standing on the edge of the paved surface and extending their necks over into the clover to enjoy their breakfast.
The long line of various kinds of birds along the edge of the pavement made us think of the prejudices and hatred existing in our world among humans. The birds didn’t seem to care that the one next to them was different.
Margie commented, “They don’t want to get their little feet wet.” A really interesting observation was made, why did a few wade out into the clover but most stayed on the dry pavement and stretched their necks to pick seeds?
Reminded of the church-going pew-filler that prefers to sit in the comfort of the seat and let others do the work, was filling my mind with thoughts and questions.
Are only a few called to evangelize, work disaster relief and other types of Christian benevolence and outreach endeavors? Matthew 28:18 states “Ge ye therefore;” it does not say “Send someone else.”
Many pastors teach the 10 percent tithe plus sacrificial giving. Many attendees seem to believe writing a check is being mission minded. Of course money is required to do the work of the church, specifically, reaching the unchurched. But every Christian must be alert for opportunities to share the Gospel; that’s the Bible teaching!
Many of us really enjoy fried chicken. But we certainly do not want a chicken farm next door. The stench from the feathery, soon-to-be delicacy, does not make for a good neighbor.
A few years ago, a children’s home was forced to establish a new campus. Many churches in the state supported the effort to care for parentless children. But the attitude soon surfaced, “Put it in someone else’s town, not mine.”
Similar attitudes surface concerning other issues. Statements were made concerning the use of stem cells and many considered their use as evil. However, if one of the purveyors of that belief had a health issue that stem cells would have cured, the attitude would likely have changed; more accurately, had it been one of their children. Double standards among us are rampant depending upon the situation.
And the attitude of another’s child being called into the mission field in a third world country is just fine, “but not my kid!”
Like the birds on the driveway, many of us do not want to get our feet wet. It’s acceptable for others to do the work and go to those undesirable places, “but not me.”
We live in a deteriorating, crime infested, sin-filled, war-torn world. Mankind has forgotten right from wrong. Some actions and lifestyles once considered unacceptable are now thought of as normal (Isaiah 5:20).
Without the teachings of our Glorious Savior and Creator (John 1:1-3), conditions will only become worse.
So is there light at the end of this very long tunnel? 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
This verse has been printed, stated, preached on and promoted by many Christians. However, we have been negligent in our prayer life or we are praying for things that are not within the will of God.
So it’s time for the final truth! First Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Are we actually demanding by our actions, or lack thereof, that Jesus should come back immediately? It certainly appears that way! Only King Jesus can fix this chaos the world has gotten itself into. We cannot make up our own rules and standards and expect Him to turn a blind eye!
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Van Yandell is a retired Industrial Arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and missionary, from Fredonia, Kentucky. Previous articles on realmentrustjesus.wordpress.com, email: [email protected]
