19

Jump Start # 2414

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2414

 

Hebrews 5:12 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for some one to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.”

 

Our verse today is a familiar one. By now, you ought to be teachers. But they weren’t. They couldn’t. You can’t teach what you don’t know. Teachers here, is not standing in front of a Bible class on Sunday morning. I doubt that they had Bible classes the way we do. Teacher of God’s word, to anyone. As the first disciples were scattered, in Acts, they went about teaching and preaching God’s word. The kingdom exploded because those early disciples were teaching God’s word. This is the format that this passage is directed towards.

 

By now, by this time. Sadly, all these years later, not much has changed. We fill church buildings with folks who stumble over the most basic questions. Someone asks them a question at work, and they have no idea how to answer, nor what the answer ought to be. We sit in Bible classes and listen to sermons for decades, yet so many still do not know. We’ve got too many folks stuck in the third grade spiritually and they have been there for years.

 

Now, why is it this way?

 

First, there are too many demands of our time. Time is an interesting concept. The word is used more than 700 times in the Bible. We keep time. We use time. We waste time. But we can’t bank time, nor can we make any more time. The busy CEO has the same amount of time as the bored college student. The kid at home playing video games has the same amount of time as the military pilot who is jetting across the skies. The cancer patient who is dying, has the same length of time in a day as the professional athlete. It is interesting how a two hour movie seems to fly by and sitting in the waiting room of a car repair place seems to last forever. Waiting in traffic seems long. Sitting through sermons can seem long. Vacations seem so short.

 

We have so many gadgets and technology that allows us to do things so much faster and better, yet, we seem to have no time. Our dishes are washed by machines. Our clothes are washed and dried by machines. It once took our grandparents all day to do those things. We toss them in, push a few buttons and go on our way. Why don’t we have more time? Too many demands. We stuff our days and our weeks so full that we can barely breath. From the moment we are up until the moment we crash in bed, we are on the go. Little time to think. Little time to connect with God. Little time to pray. Little time to open God’s word. And, absolutely no time to learn how to teach.

 

Second, we allow interruptions to dominate us. I’ve noticed young parents, when in a conversation and their child comes up, they won’t allow that child to interrupt. Yet, their phone vibrates, and they’ll check that, mid-sentence. Interruptions often get us sidetracked and off schedule. They allow us to chase rabbits in life and not stick to the main thing we needed to do.

 

Third, we can take time for granted. We easily push things off until tomorrow. I’ll get to it later is an easy way to misuse and abuse time. We often put off the things we don’t like to do. We can always find time to do what we want to do. It takes time to learn to teach. This is one thing that we put on the back burner. It’s important, we say, but not a priority. It’s not on the “To Do” list for today. We’ll get to it. But when? That’s the problem.

 

We need to learn to be time conscious. Time is limited. Time cannot be retrieved once it’s gone. Time is one of God’s gifts to us. Each day is a blessing and a gift. Being efficient, being organized, and being a good steward of time will help you. Make lists if you need to. Get things organized in your mind. Learn to plug the leaks in your time schedule. Sitting in traffic? Pray. Have a Bible with you and read. Sitting in a waiting room? Pray. Have a Bible with you and read.

 

Not having specific goals and worrying too much about the past and fearing the future can certainly squeeze any joys out of today. How often do we waste time on things that do not matter. Arguing about politics when we do not live in Washington, and are not in the position of doing anything is really a waste of time. Watching mindless TV shows for hours on end is a waste of time.

 

Use your time to build relationships, especially godly ones and especially with the Lord. Use your time to learn more about time. Use your time to develop yourself. Use your time to serve others. Use your time to reflect, observe and be thankful. Use your time to make the most of today.

 

By now, you ought to be teachers. By now, what should you and I ought to be?

 

  • By now, how many of us ought to be qualified and serving as shepherds in the church. But we are not. We are not ready yet.
  • By now, how many of us ought to be mentoring younger Christians on how to serve Christ and how to be a godly parent. But we are not. We are not ready yet.
  • By now, how many of us ought to be helping the kingdom grow by teaching and by generously helping others in remote places. But we are not. We are not ready yet.
  • By now, how many of us ought to be preaching. But we are not. We are not ready yet.
  • By now, we ought to be letting our lights shine and being powerful examples. But we are not. We are not ready yet.
  • By now, we ought to have strong faith. But we do not. We are not ready yet.
  • By now, we ought to be ready for Heaven. But we are not. We are not ready yet.

 

By now…sure makes a person think, doesn’t it?

 

Roger

 

16

Jump Start # 2413

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2413

Hebrews 11:22 “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the children of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”

I find it interesting that the Holy Spirit mentions the dying Joseph but doesn’t tell us much about his incredible life. His was indeed a journey of faith. Few people in all the Bible resemble Jesus as much as Joseph did. Hated, sold, falsely accused, he forgives and becomes the salvation to his people. But none of that is mentioned here in Hebrews.

Joseph’s life is a series of repeating themes. These themes happen three different times in his life. First, he is blindsided by trouble. See that with his brothers putting him in a pit. He didn’t see that coming. Again, this is repeated when his boss’ wife accuses him of sexual advances. And, it is repeated again, when he is promised to be released from prison and someone forgets him. Blindsided by troubles. It happens all the time. We just didn’t see it coming. We had no way of preparing. A car accident. A sudden illness. A storm smashes your house. You are no longer needed at your job. Caught off guard. Unprepared.

The second series of cycles in Joseph’s life follows each of these blind spots. After Joseph was put in a pit, his brothers sold him. He was taken miles from his home and was living among pagans. Joseph wouldn’t see his family again for 37 years. Things got a lot worse for him. And, this is repeated again. Not only did his boss’ wife falsely accuse him, but Joseph lost his position, his job and is put in prison. And, again, this is repeated a third time. Not only is he in prison, but he is left there for two years. Things can get a lot worse and this often follows being blindsided.

The third part of this cycle is that Joseph never gave up on God. He saw that with his brothers. He saw that with being able to help interpret Pharaoh’s dream. He saw that in his ability to prepare Egypt for a major famine. Joseph always gave God the credit. Joseph never felt abandoned by God. The Lord was always with him.

Now, for you and I, it may well be this same cycle. We may be blindsided by terrible events. Things may get worse before they get better. Yet, faith in Christ will get us through. It is faith that conquers fear. It is faith that allows us to see the invisible. It is faith that believes God is with us and will help us.

I’ve heard people say, “I don’t think I can get through this.” There’s been a death. They stand in the rumble and debris that once was their home. They face being a single parent because their mate has left them. They must make funeral arrangements for a child. The doctor says no more can be done. How can we go on? Is it possible to get through this?

I think of that teenager Joseph, in a pit and he can not get out. I think of that same Joseph standing before an angry Pharaoh who demands that he be sent to prison. I think about that same Joseph who sees the cupbearer walking out of prison and there is hope that he too will soon be released. But nothing happens. He’s forgotten. Time passes and he remains in prison. How can we get through this?

We need to remember four truths:

  1. Getting through this does not mean that everything will be returned to the way it was. We want to rewind the tape and get back to the way things once were. Your mate who has left may never return. Your child who declares that he is gay, may stay that way all of his life. You may never again find a job making the money you once did. Normal is only a setting on your dryer. However, you can get through this. It may be a new chapter in your journey. It may not be the way you planned, expected or even wanted, but you can get through this, “By faith.” The problems do not have to win. The problems do not have to conquer you. Greater is God who is in us than he who is in the world. God is greater than any of our problems. There has been wars, depressions, captivity, hard times and the people of faith have marched on with the Lord. Some were taken to foreign lands. Some were given new names. Some saw their world turned inside out, yet, by faith, they got through it.

2. Getting through often means that you’ll have a few scars. When life punches you in the face, it hurts. Your heart will have scars. There will be lessons learned. There will be some changes along the way. But, you can get through this by faith. Prayer and a closer walk with the Lord will get you through this.

3. Getting through this is about the salvation of your soul. It means Heaven. This is what God’s after. You may not renew broken friendships, ever. You may not have the same house you once did. You may not have the level of lifestyle that you were accustomed to. None of those things matter. What matters is getting to Heaven. This is what getting through is all about. The lamb in Psalms 23 walked through the valley of the shadow of death. He didn’t stay there. He didn’t make that valley his home. He went through with God. God was with him. This life isn’t about the square footage of your house, how large your TV screen is, how many cars you own, where you vacation. None of those things matter. You think about those poor, poor, disciples in the first century. They had little. Many were slaves and servants. They have a reward in Heaven because of their faith. That’s what it means to get through.

4. Getting through is a journey of faith and you’ll only get through by your faith. Jesus ended His great sermon on the mount by telling of a violent storm. The winds blew. The rains fell. A flood came. Some houses were swept away. They collapsed. Others stood. The difference was the foundation. The difference was faith. You’ll have storms. Some will blindside you. Some will be the worst you’ve ever been through. It will be enough to scare most. It will be enough to worry some. But your faith will make all the difference. You remember Daniel, living most of his life in a foreign land. Yet, there he is as an old man, praying to God. He has not forgotten.

How are we going to get through this? Like Joseph. Like the early Christians. Like brethren today. By faith. We will continue to worship, walk with God and be the light of the world. In the worst times our lights can shine the brightest. How are we going to get through when our eyes are full of tears? God will help us. It is by faith that we long for a land where there are no more tears, death or mourning. How can we get through when my life has changed so much? By faith. We long for a land in which death is no allowed to enter in. We long for a land in which things will be the same forever.

I don’t think I can get through this…yes, you can. God says so. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s not the way you want things to be. Yes, the days and nights seem so long. Yes, there is a pain that doesn’t go away. But, with God at your side, things will get better. With God at your side, you CAN get through this.

Satan wants you to quit. Satan says “it’s too much.” Satan wants you to drown your sorrows in alcohol. The problem with that is that sorrows know how to swim. They never drown. Only the person drinking, drowns. Get down to the church house as much as you can. Force yourself, even when you don’t feel like it. Open that Bible up and read. Really read. Fall to your knees and pray like you’ve never prayed before.

In a pit, in a prison, forgotten, accused, in a lion’s den, in a fiery furnace, or upon a Cross—you can get through this!

Roger

15

Jump Start # 2412

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2412

Acts 8:22 “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.”

 

Our verse today comes from the intense conversation between a new convert, Simon, and the apostle Peter. Simon once kept audiences spellbound with black magic. Philip came to town preaching Jesus. Philip was doing miracles. Many were convinced and converted. Simon was among them. When the apostles came to lay their hands and bestow the Holy Spirit upon some, Simon was impressed. He wanted that power. He offered to buy that power from the apostles. How little did he understand. You cannot purchase the gifts of God. You cannot buy your way into Heaven.

 

Peter immediately shut this conversation down. He rebuked Simon and told him that his heart was not right with God. He was told to repent and to pray. Get right, is what Peter is saying.

 

Now, from this springs several interesting thoughts for us:

 

First, new Christians often don’t know. There is much to learn about how the church functions, operates and the pattern God has for His people. Business ideas, marketing ideas, fund raising ideas—may work well in schools and business but not in the kingdom of God. Some do not understand that.

 

We work hard to bring one to Jesus, but I wonder if we leave them there at the baptistery with so much to learn and understand. Jesus told the apostles to teach those baptized to observe all that He commanded. Untaught, error is likely to develop. Untaught, one may drift away. In some places, as many come in the front doors, leave out the back doors. Folks simply do not stick or stay long. This is something shepherds must be aware of. Getting new people connected and growing is important.

 

Second, forgiveness isn’t something that God owes us. The words of Peter are, “if possible, the intention of you heart may be forgiven.” We don’t say much about the “If possible,” part. We tend to think that God will and God has to forgive us. Grace isn’t deserved nor earned nor ought to be expected. God doesn’t owe you forgiveness. We must keep that “if possible” aspect in our hearts and minds. God is good. The blood of Jesus He promises will wash away our sins, but if not careful, we can become indifferent, careless and assume, “Well, all I have to do is pray and it’s gone.” Be careful with such attitudes. Abusing the grace of God may find you without any grace.

 

Third, the pray. Peter says, pray the Lord if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven. Two immediate things we ought to see. First, Simon “didn’t actually do anything wrong.” He offered to buy the power of the apostles, but no money was exchanged. No papers were signed. Simon didn’t run to the ATM and withdraw money. His sin was in his heart. No blood, no foul works well in basketball, but it doesn’t work well with God. Simon thought wrong. Simon was wrong. Our thoughts can put us in a wrong place, even though we “didn’t do anything.” Sin is not just in doing wrong. Sin takes place in our heart and our intentions. Jesus dealt with this in His sermon on the mount. Lusting in the heart. Hating in the heart. Those thoughts may never become actions, but they were still wrong.

 

The other thing that we ought to see here is the prayer. Simon’s actual prayer is not listed. He even asks the apostles to pray for him. There are some prayers that we probably just do not want to pray. This would be one. To pray for forgiveness means that we have disappointed God, we have ignored His word and we have broken His heart. We ought to hate to come to God that way. We ought to hate to have to admit and apologize for the times we sin. Our sin ought to bother us. It ought to make us feel bad. It ought to make us realize how disappointed we made God. Certainly, He still loves us, but we have hurt Him. All sin impacts our relationship with Him. It’s one thing to pray for the sick. It’s one thing to pray for growth, the elders, the sermon. Great things to pray about. But asking God to please forgive us is like a child who has done wrong and stands before his father. Head hung down, knowing he may get spanked, and unable to answer why he did wrong, that’s us. I’m thankful God allows us to come to Him when we have been wrong. I’m glad God wants us to seek Him, but asking for forgiveness ought to bother us.

 

How many times do we say in our prayers, “forgive us of our sins,” as if we were asking for a glass of water. Nothing to it. Just a statement. Just a plain request. Our sins ought to bother us. They should make us feel terrible. They ought to make us ashamed. They ought to tear us up. They ought to bring tears to our eyes. We have sinned and now we must talk to God about that. And, maybe that’s just the problem. We’ve made sin no big deal and so we don’t think about it much. We don’t fight it much. We don’t worry about it when we cross over the line a few times. And, maybe we ought to make it a big deal.

 

Peter certainly did. He didn’t let Simon off the hook. He didn’t give Simon a pass because he was new. He didn’t say, “It’s no big deal.” It was. Peter’s words were:

  • Your heart is not right before God
  • He called it wickedness
  • He said that Simon was in the gall of bitterness
  • He said that Simon was in the bondage of iniquity

 

Cutting and harsh words that most wouldn’t use today. Peter did. Sin is a big deal. And it ought to nearly kill us to have to ask God again for His grace and mercy.

 

Finally, Peter cared enough to say something. He got Simon’s attention. Simon dropped the idea of buying God’s gifts. If we really love someone we will help them. Believing, “It’s none of my business,” reveals a lack of love, connection and fellowship to one another. We need each other to help each other, even when we have done wrong. Be there. Say the words. Show what needs to be done. Peter did all of those things.

 

I expect if the words of Peter were used today, some would leave and find a “more friendly church.” Some would point the finger at Peter and accuse him of judging and being unloving. Is it the loving thing to do to ignore sin in someone’s life? Is it the loving thing to do to worry more about their feelings or their relationship with God? Is it the loving thing to do to tell others but not the person who has done wrong?

 

Simon was better because of Peter. The words slapped him right on his head, but he needed that. Sometimes, I need that, too. We can be so generic, so polite, and so kind, that we don’t do any good. This is not a call to be mean, offensive, rude and harsh. The Bible tells us to correct with gentleness, but even in that, we need to say what needs to be said. Peter did that.

 

Great things for you and I to think about…

 

Roger

 

14

Jump Start # 2411

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2411

Genesis 4:6 “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?”

Our verse today surrounds the story of Cain and Abel. This one segment of time will define them both. Cain’s name always appears in the list of the Bible’s bad boys. His name is found three times in the New Testament, and they are not in a favorable manner. Our verse sounds very familiar to what God would say to Jonah hundreds of years later, “Why are you angry?”

 

Cain made three mistakes. Each of these mistakes were connected to each another. As is so often the case, when a person has done wrong, they continue to add to their sins by doing more wrongs. Consider Cain’s three mistakes.

 

First, he offered the wrong gift. He was a farmer and he offered produce to God. Seems logical. We’d think that you offer what you have. He had farm produce and that’s what he offered. This was not accepted by God. Hebrews 11 tells us that by faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice. The “by faith” part is important. That’s not attitude. That’s obedience. How did Abel know to offer a lamb to God? Lucky guess? Intuition? How does faith begin? Faith is based upon what God tells us. Faith comes from hearing God’s word. God must have told the boys what to do.

 

Abel’s offering was a sacrifice. A lamb was killed. There is no using that lamb after that. It was dead. For Cain, he could have offered God a few grapes, some tomatoes, a watermelon. However, once picked those plants would produce more and more. No one gardens a tomato plant with the hopes of getting just one tomato. You want several. Abel made a sacrifice. Cain made a gift.

 

This also tells us that worship matters to God. Just because it’s worship doesn’t mean God is pleased with it. Today, folks have the idea that as long as I toss the name of Jesus into the program, we can skateboard, sell popcorn, have a high wire act, have a concert, sell tickets, put on a play and have a comedy skit and it’s all called worship. It makes us laugh, cry and have a great time. But does the Lord accept it? Is it by faith? Remember, faith is obedience to God’s word. To have those things, one must find them in the Bible.

 

Second, Cain had the wrong attitude. This is where our verse is found today. He left worship, not uplifted, encouraged and stronger. No. He left worship angry. He was angry because God did not accept this garden produce. I’ve seem folks leaving worship angry. Sometimes it is for selfish reasons. The worship went a bit longer than normal and they were ready to pitch a fit. Other times, some have left mad because the sermon got a little too close to them. Sermons are supposed to do that. If they don’t land on our front porch, there’s a good chance nothing much will come from them. Sermons are made to make us think. They may tan our hides and step on our toes. Rather than leaving mad, we ought to thank the preacher for being so honest, bold and helpful. He’s wanting us to please the Lord and sometimes we just need a good ole’ fashioned rebuke, or as I call it, ‘kick in the pants.’ Then others are mad because they didn’t get to serve publically. They view worship as a show and they want to be in the spot light. It’s a good thing that they weren’t used because their attitudes are not right. Worship is always about God. It’s about magnifying God as Psalms tells us.

 

We must wonder if now and then we have the wrong attitudes about worship. We can gather to socialize with friends. We can gather to make ourselves look good and even show off a new pair of shoes, but if we haven’t gathered to be in His presence, our attitudes are out of line.

 

Third, Cain’s reaction was wrong. Why was he mad at Abel? Abel didn’t do anything wrong. So often when one is guilty, they will lash out at the innocent or the guy who is doing what is right. Abel had nothing to apologize about. He did what God said. Had Cain done the same, there wouldn’t have been a problem. So, he is mad. He’s probably mad at God. And, he’s mad at his brother. He missed the one he ought to have been mad with, and that was himself. He was the one who chose to offer the veggies. He was the one who didn’t listen to God. He was the one who tried to do the simple and the convenient. He should have kicked dirt at himself and resolved to do better next time. He should have bought a lamb off his brother. But he didn’t. He was angry. That anger invited Satan into his heart. That anger made him lose his sense of right and wrong. That anger led him to killing his brother. Did that change his sacrifice? No. Did that make things right with God? No. Did that make him feel better? No. What in the world did he tell Adam and Eve? He had the wrong response.

 

And this spirit of Cain is alive and well today. The preacher steps on our toes. We get mad. We threaten to leave or fire the preacher. He didn’t do anything wrong. We did. Someone in the family gets on us because we are not doing what we should. Angry, we lash out at the family member. We bring up a bunch of stuff from the past that has nothing to do with the current situation. Angry because we don’t get our way. Angry because we got caught doing wrong. Angry because the Bible won’t allow us to do what we want. So often, many go looking to find a more progressive church. They will allow me to do what I want. They don’t judge me, is what is commonly said. I can marry anyone I want. I can change my gender. I can drink myself drunk. I can never show up at worship. I can live worldly. Oh, I still love Jesus, and you can’t tell me I’m wrong. Really? Does the church make us right? Does finding a fat doctor who smokes make being overweight and smoking medically right? You’ll find churches that worship the moon. You’ll find churches that stand for nothing and fall for everything. It’s like the old Burger King commercial, “Have it your way.” And people love that.

 

Wrong gift. Wrong attitude. Wrong reaction. I wonder if we will ever learn…

 

Roger

 

13

Jump Start # 2410

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2410

2 Samuel 18:33 “The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said as he walked, “O my son, Absalom, my son, my son, Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son.”

 

Our verse today touches the hearts of every parent. The death of a child is something that is not supposed to happen. Our children are supposed to grow up and in time bury the parent. But, not here. And, this wasn’t the only time for David. There was that newborn baby from his adultery with Bathsheba. The baby died. There was Amnon, another son. He was killed by Absalom to avenge the rape of Tamar. Funeral after funeral. Child after child. David buried his children and grieved with a broken heart.

 

I can only imagine the tragic scene of an old David sitting among the graves of so many of his children. The children that sat at his table. The children that he saw grow up. And now, many of them buried. They died young. Some died violently. They died suddenly. And, no matter how a child dies, it breaks the heart of a parent.

 

There are some lessons from the cemetery of David:

 

First, life is precious. No one, not even our children are guaranteed a long life. Accidents, foolish mistakes, disease, victims of crime, and in an instant a life can be over. We know and we understand that life never ends. We merely pass through the doorway of death into the next room. However, it is so sad. I think of that poor widow in the N.T. who was heading to the cemetery to bury her only son. Jesus stopped the procession and raised the young man. Life can be ugly and cruel. Cancer can strike children. Accidents can happen, even at home. Every day, young people pass through the door of death. It is tragic.

 

Second, our choices in life often determine the length of life. Rebellion and sin, as chosen by Amnon and Absalom, resulted in their early and violent deaths. Choosing drugs, choosing to break the law, choosing to be wild and reckless often doesn’t end well for that person. Absalom and Amnon were not like David. The young David was thoughtful, good and close to God. We don’t see this in young Absalom and Amnon. We don’t read of any of their prayers. We don’t see them referring to God. We don’t see them walking in righteousness. Our choices in life, whether it’s habits such as smoking, or, drinking, or living immorally, or even violently will have a lot to do with how well and how long we live. Associated with wrong choices is wrong people. They put us in the wrong places. This is where trouble happens. This is where deeper mistakes are often made. And, some of these mistakes can be fatal.

 

Third, in tragic situations, parents often blame themselves. “If I had only told them not to go out tonight,” a sobbing mother cries, as she learns that her daughter was killed in a car accident. Guilt only lengthens grief and it makes it worse. There is no reversing what happened. The door of death swings one way. There is no going through that door yourself and pulling them back. I have preached the funeral of way too many young people and sitting in the audience was the heartbroken parents. A car accident. A drive by shooting. A sudden death. A heart attack. Cancer. I’ve seen the tears in those parents eyes as they try to make sense of these things. Blame doesn’t help, nor does turning ones back to God. There was a period in David’s life when he seemed distant from God. It was in those valleys that he seemed to make the wrong choices. But at the end of his life, after all those funerals, David seems close to God once more. Remember, God witnessed the death of His Son, Jesus, who was young, and died violently. You might say, “Sure, but Jesus rose from the grave.” Yes, and so shall we and so shall our children who have passed away. Babies never sin. Babies do not inherit sin. Babies are pure. The death of babies mean deposits in Heaven.

 

Fourth, a grieving parent must not neglect their other children. Most do not mean to, but how this is handled can create some jealousy among the other children. This is a difficult walk to make. Your heart is broken, yet there are others that still need you as a parent. You can’t take a year off from parenting. You can’t stay in your bedroom for days on end. One may need to talk to a counselor. One may need to open the Psalms and just read them aloud. Family and good brethren can be the best comfort and help in this tragic time. Understand that many have never been where you are. Sometimes things are said that comes out backwards and seem insensitive. People care, they just don’t know what to say. Don’t pay attention to much of it, for some of the things said will only get you angry. I’ve heard, “You can always have another child.” And, “Well, you have other children.” And, “It was just meant to be.” Those statements are cold, cruel and might cause you to smack someone, but don’t. People don’t know what to say, so they usually say the wrong thing. Let it pass.

 

I knew a young 16 year-old who was killed in a car accident. His parents were overwhelmed with grief. I told them, more than once, that this tragic event would either pull them closer together or it would pull them apart. In wasn’t too long after this that the parents divorced. A death in the family can pull us closer or it can separate us. The right choices, made by faith and a life built upon Scriptures makes all the difference.

 

Finally, God is aware of all these things. God knew that Pharaoh was killing babies in Egypt. He knew that Herod was killing babies in Judea. God didn’t stop them. Babies died. It is unfair. It isn’t right. Sin seems to dominate and Satan seems to win. For the moment, only for the moment. Pharaoh met a tragic death as the Red Sea closed in upon him and his army. As a parent, we want our children to always be happy, to grow up and find a wonderful person to marry. We don’t want them to be sick, bullied, or troubled in this life. But, remember, this isn’t Heaven. We had struggles, issues and difficulties. What we must teach our children is that the Lord is with them, even in those dark, dark valleys of death. We are marching to Zion and that’s where our hearts belong.

 

The funerals of David’s children…tragic, sad, but lessons to be learned.

 

Roger