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Category: Encouragement

How Is Your “Yard” Looking?

How Is Your “Yard” Looking?

With my daughter’s wedding and my youngest son’s graduation both occurring this week, I’m sharing another blog “rerun.”  As always, I pray this post encourages you in some little way.

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In the summertime, my wife and I try to take a daily walk.  Sometimes we drive to a local park for a change of scenery, but usually we simply stroll around our neighborhood.  We vary our paths so the “scenery” varies as well.

Inevitably we spot something interesting.  A decked-out vehicle.  Various projects or intriguing decorations on the homes.  Curious choices for house colors.  Fascinating plants in the yards.  There always seems to be something to see.  For example, once we noticed that the automatic street lights were lit on one block but not the adjacent block.  Not sure why, but it certainly sparked some conversation among us.

As we walk by the many homes, one immediately evident thing is the state of the yards.  The majority of lawns receive a modicum of care; they are mowed somewhat regularly and look fairly presentable.  The yards may or may not have flower beds.  And if there are beds, they may or may not be weeded.  This is the usual.

But there are always some yards that stand out, either because of the great amount of care given to them or because of the complete lack of attention they receive. 

A few of the yards are impeccably groomed.  The lawns are weedless and the grass looks like a golf-course green.  The flower beds are delightfully arranged and immaculate.  Invariably there are some fairly exotic trees, bushes or flowers present.  Clearly someone who lives in those homes loves yard care, (or struggles mightily with perfectionism!).

Then there are other yards that haven’t seen a lick of care in quite some time.  The beds are overrun with weeds, and the grass looks like a prairie, standing tall as a person.  It’s usually impossible to see anything in those yards.  One might hesitate to wander into them for fear of the wild critters that might be encountered, or of getting lost and never finding your way back out again!  I remember the time my wife and I spotted a push mower barely visible in the midst of a jungle of grass.  We speculated that sometime in the distant past either the mower or the owner simply surrendered to the towering turf.  

Of course, there are a multitude of reasons why a yard could be neglected.  Finally, the way a yard looks just isn’t that important.  I know there are some who will disagree with that statement, but that’s the truth of the matter.  There are many matters much more important than the appearance of one’s yard.  

However, it did set my mind to pondering.  It’s very evident how much care a yard receives … or doesn’t.  What if the wellbeing of our souls was as evident as the health of our yards?  What if the amount of care we give to our souls was as obvious as the amount of time spent on our lawns?  How would our soul look?

If our soul was on display, would it be evident that we take good care of it?  Is it well-watered by God’s Word; well-trimmed by God’s Law and well-fertilized by God’s Gospel?  Are the weeds of sin largely removed, or are they sprouting everywhere?  Is the grass mowed and edged, or are worldly blades growing wild and unchecked?  Are the beds clean, or littered with trash and undesirable plants?  Are portions of our souls even dead?

I admit that this concept gives me pause.  I tend to take pretty good care of our yard; our place generally looks fairly-well kept.  But if my soul were visible for all to see, what would it look like?  How would it compare with my yard?

Jesus himself underscores the value of a healthy soul.  “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”  (Matthew 16:26).  In other words, the state of our soul is far more important than the state of our yard … or anything else on earth, for that matter!

Thankfully, we have a gracious, loving, and forgiving God … which prompts our hearts to join with David in words of praise! 

“Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5).

How is your yard looking?  Finally, it really doesn’t matter!  How is your soul looking?  Now that’s a much more important issue!

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Searching for Treasure

Searching for Treasure

Unfortunately, my days are currently very, very full, leaving no time for writing.  Fortunately, I have years of previous blog posts to pull from!  Here’s a re-share.  I pray it is a blessing!

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I am a treasure hunter.  I search for treasure.  I even find some!

From the time I was young, I always loved to embark on treasure expeditions.  No, I didn’t travel to exotic locations in my quests, but I did set out on a fair amount of searches nevertheless. 

I explored the old brewery in the town where I grew up looking for old Sebewaing Beer artifacts.  (Found some too.  Still have them!)  I wandered carefully (so as not to fall through the floors!) inside a few abandoned houses as well, seeing what might have been left behind.  (Rather slim pickings.  Other treasure seekers had been there before me.)   Native Americans used to inhabit the area where I lived as a boy, so the farm fields all around us held ancient artifacts.  (Found some of those also!) 

But there were treasure hunts and discoveries even closer than that!  Before the days of dumps, my ancestors were in the habit of burying their trash on the property.  Much of what was trash to them, old bottles and such, are now treasures.  When my father dug up the yard to begin building a new house in my teen years, the dirt piles he created were literally littered with his grandparents’ discards.  It was a veritable treasure trove for a treasure seeker like me!

I’ve always kept my eyes peeled for dropped money.  I’m regularly finding coins, and even occasionally a bill.  Even more occasionally a larger bill!  And I never pass a Coinstar without inspecting the coin return.  People regularly forget to grab the coins that didn’t get processed, some of which are silver coins – rejected because they are heavier than the usual “clad” coins.

I’ve even panned for gold and sluiced out a bit of “color” from the gravel.  Washington State isn’t as prime for gold as some other states, but there is some to be found in the right spots.

These days my preferred approach in my treasure hunting exploits is with a metal detector.  What amazing machines they are!  Not only do they easily detect metal objects underground or under water, but the better-quality ones can give the handler a very good idea of what might be below the coil by virtue of a number readout.

Through the years I’ve found all kinds of treasure with my handy-dandy metal detector.  Lots of coins (some silver and some quite old), rings of all kinds (even toe rings!), military buttons and Boy Scout badges, old toys and antique tools, and plenty of unique items have found their way into my treasure pouch.  I never know what I will find, but I always know I’ll find something interesting!  In fact, there has never been a time when I didn’t uncover something worthwhile on my metal detecting hunts.

There’s another form of treasure hunt I regularly embark on as well.  It’s a treasure hunt in the extravagantly rich pages of the Bible.  I never know exactly what the Holy Spirit will reveal to me on each journey inside the cover, but I always know I’ll find something awesome!  Sometimes the discovery is a precious gold or silver truth; sometimes a gleaming new spiritual insight; sometimes a practical discovery; sometimes a lovely reminder of earlier times; sometimes a treasure to share.  In fact, there has never been a time when I didn’t uncover something worthwhile on my treasure hunts in God’s Word.

I’ve never gotten rich from my regular treasure hunting efforts, and I probably never will.  But I have become a wealthy man indeed from my treasure searches in the Scriptures.

Regular treasure hunts?  I discourage them.  (That leaves more for me to find!)  But treasure hunts in the Scriptures?  These are treasure hunts that all should embark upon, and frequently, because there is an unlimited amount of priceless riches to be found there.  And all who seek will find!

“But where can wisdom be found?  Where does understanding dwell?  No mortal comprehends its worth. … It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.  It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.  Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold.  Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.  The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold.  Where then does wisdom come from?  Where does understanding dwell? … God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells” (Job 28:selected

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Flying Blind?

Flying Blind?

This is a time that demands trust – in the congregation I’ve been serving for over 30 years, in the congregations I am going to be serving soon, and certainly in my personal life.  So this post from several years ago (modified and updated) seemed appropriate to reshare.

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Most of us probably don’t fret much about jumping on an airline flight.  Note that I wrote “most of us;” I know some fret a great deal if they have to fly somewhere.

Still, the majority of us don’t stress overly much in regard to climbing onto an airplane.  We might not look forward to all the extra hassles that accompany flying, like packing, transportation to the airport and airport parking, checking our bags and being checked personally in security, or the long hours that are typically wrapped into a day of air travel.  The flight itself, however, is generally relaxing – an opportunity to catch one’s breath, read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or take a nap.

However, have you ever stopped to consider what’s involved in a typical flight?  (Those who are generally squeamish about flying might want to skip the next few paragraphs!)

An average sized commercial plane (a Boeing 737) weighs approximately 45 tons.  When you add in the fuel (20 tons) and passengers, cargo and crew (22.5 tons), the weight climbs to almost 88 tons.  That’s a LOT of poundage to keep aloft!

Now consider that the average cruising height is between 31 and 38 thousand feet (6-7 miles high!), and the planes generally climb to that position in the first 10 minutes of the flight.  Once there, the airline settles into the modest cruising speed of approximately 540 miles per hour. 

And who is handling this monstrously heavy contraption 7 miles above the earth at an astoundingly high rate of speed?  Whose capabilities and actions are you, the passenger, dependent upon? 

The captain!  Though he or she has a copilot who shares some flight duties, the captain is typically the most experienced pilot in the cockpit and the one in command and control. 

And you rarely even see him or her, at least before the flight!  Maybe you hear their voice while in flight; maybe you don’t.  You know nothing about them or their experience or how they are feeling the day of your flight.  Yet you entrust your life to the pilot.

There are many details to attend to on a commercial flight.  The pilot has to constantly monitor other air traffic so there are no collisions.  Weather conditions, both on the ground and in the air, have to be considered.  He or she may have to climb higher to pass over a storm or detour to skirt around it, but everyone expects the captain to keep them safe.  

Furthermore, you expect your pilot to deliver you to the proper destination.  If you booked your flight to Chicago, you don’t even consider the possibility of arriving in Houston instead.  More trust on your part!  And again, you know nothing about the pilot.  (He or she might greatly prefer to set down in Houston rather than Chicago!)

Landing at your destination presents additional challenges.  For example, Seatac Airport in Washington State is the 11th busiest airport in America, and the 21st busiest in the world.  In 2022, there was an average of 1,100 flights departing per day, and about the same number arriving.  That’s approximately 46 flights departing per hour, and 46 more arriving, which makes for a congested sky around the airport.  The pilot has to navigate those busy skies.  But you and the other passengers expect that he or she will do so safely.

Some passengers might be a bit tense about the flight.  Most become at least a bit anxious if flying through a storm or experiencing turbulence.  But no one is pacing the aisle or crying out with emotion-packed exclamations.  (At least not usually.)  None are urgently demanding to speak to the pilot and inform them what needs to be done.  They trust the pilot will perform.  (Finally, they have no choice but to trust him!)

Of course, pilots are just people, skilled as they may be.  They simply can’t fly non-stop; they need time off to rest.  The safety of the passengers, and their own, demands it.  Recognizing this, the FAA regulates the number of hours commercial pilots can fly.  Pilots cannot exceed 100 hours of flight time in a month, or 1,000 hours in a year.  During normal circumstances, they average 75 hours per month in the air.

Our Lord is like an airplane captain, except the Lord doesn’t need to rest, he doesn’t need a copilot, and he doesn’t make mistakes.  Ever!  Furthermore, our God isn’t just the pilot of a jetliner with a few hundred people on board, but the captain in control of everything. 

The Lord is the Pilot of the cosmos, the universe, the world, our nation, our state, our city, our neighborhood and our home.  He is also the Pilot of our church, our work, our school, our friends, our family, and ourselves.  He is the unerring, almighty, all-knowing, ever-present, always faithful, constantly loving Pilot of all circumstances and every situation, always.  (Yes, even through our personal struggles and dilemmas!)

The Captain over all things lifts us off the earth at our spiritual births, carries us aloft across the miles and years with his Word, provides us with some glorious views along the way, guides us over or around (and sometimes through) the storms in his love, and sets us safely down at our destination (heaven!) at the end of our “flight.”  The Lord is a Pilot we can rely upon with absolute confidence, no matter what unsettling events may be currently affecting our “flight” though life.

The Lord is our Pilot.  Or to use another similar picture, he is our Shepherd.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever”  (Psalm 23).

We may feel like we are flying blind through life, but we never are.  Our Lord, our Pilot, and our Shepherd is carrying us and caring for us the entire way.  Though we may not see him on our “flight,” we can still trust him.  And be assured, we will most certainly meet him after we “land.”

How to Interact on This Blog

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A Few Lessons Learned from Life

A Few Lessons Learned from Life

Recently I was privileged to lead my final chapel service at Evergreen Lutheran High School where all my children have attended, and where my youngest son, now a senior, is wrapping up his high school adventure. 

Since it was my final message to the school body, and because graduation and summer break are so close, I decided to share what I consider ten incredibly important life lessons. 

I’m not super intelligent.  I’m not even smarter than the average person.   However, I have learned a few things over nearly 60 years of life, through 35 years of marriage and 33 years of ministry, and after raising 6 children.

Perhaps the “lessons” I shared with those high school students might be beneficial for all of us to consider.  In the chapel I shared additional thoughts on each point with the school body, but here I’ll simply list the points and a supporting Bible passage.  I’m confident, if you give some consideration to each item, that you can make your own applications.

1)  God loves you with all his heart!  Don’t ever doubt that!

(1 John 3:1)  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

2)  You are never alone; your God and his love are always with you!

(Romans 8:38-39)  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3)  Let God steer (guide you) through life! Trust him completely; he knows what he’s doing!

(Proverbs 3:5-6)  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

4)  Guard your soul ferociously! (And someday your children’s and family members’ souls as well!)

(Matthew 16:26)  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

5)  You will always be under attack in this world! Satan will never stop trying to undermine your relationship with God.

(1 Peter 5:8)  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

6)  Beware the distractions of life! They are everywhere and can easily divert our attention from the most important things.

(1 John 2:15-17)  Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.  For everything in the world …  comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

7)  Prioritize God and God’s Word! Nothing else in this world is nearly as important.

(Romans 1:16)  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …

8)  Choose your friends (and your spouse) wisely! They profoundly impact your life.

(1 Corinthians 15:33)  Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

9)  Treasure the precious moments (and family and friends) that God gives you!  Embrace them!

(James 1:17)  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights …

10)  You need God, your Rock and Fortress!  You need Jesus, your Savior!

(John 14:6)  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

So there’s my list.  What would you add or change?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Please share them in the comments section.

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The One Constant

The One Constant

Change presently abounds in my little world (family, church, work and home!).  Chances are you have some changes occurring too.  Here’s a post I shared several years ago that is apropos. 

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Most people don’t care for change.  At least, not significant change.  A fair number of folks will even fight against change, perceiving significant change as significantly negative.

And while some adventurous souls actually enjoy mixing things up a bit now and then, everyone has their limits.  Radical change might be defined differently by different people, but everyone has adjustment boundaries they absolutely do not want to cross.

Ironically, despite our penchant for clinging to the familiar … everything is always changing!

In fact, the Second Law of Thermodynamics states that all systems, if left to themselves, move from a state of order to disorder.  This natural decline is called entropy.  (Also known as change!)  In other words, natural change isn’t just a happenstance; it’s a scientific necessity. 

Which is lousy news for all the hangers-on-to-how-it’s-always-been folks!  Because, let’s face it, change is everywhere, and it’s never ending.

Every four years in this nation we elect a president, whether the incumbent or someone new.  We’re now on the 46th person to hold that distinguished office in our nation.  That’s an ongoing stream of leadership change over our nation’s 247-year history!  But the rulers of this land, and the inhabitants of this land, were in flux long before the United States was formed.

Meanwhile the countries and borders on distant continents have been repeatedly altered as migrations and invasions and political upheavals have changed the face of nations.  And it’s not just boundaries that were changed, but style of government, laws of the land, local customs and language.  Over time even climates were transformed, and everything that climate impacts with them.

As the earth orbits the sun, the view of the night sky shifts and seasons are rotated.  The length of daylight and the average temperature changes.  The flora and fauna adjust.  People adjust too in regard to what they wear and what they do.  The seasonal hobbies and the sports seasons also change. 

Landscapes are altered.  Highways are adjusted.  Buildings are torn down and new ones built.  Companies begin and others end.  Restaurants and stores open while other close.  People change occupations and residences, and sometimes even states or countries.

Of course, just a few years ago COVID brought an unending cascade of changes … and related adjustments continue to occur.

Our bodies are in a state of unending transformation from conception to birth and all through life.  And the situations in our lives change too!  Even our relationships are being continually refashioned. 

Most significant of all, we experienced a drastic spiritual change when the Holy Spirit brought us to faith, which in turn drastically altered our spiritual destination as well!

Since our conversion, our faith in our Savior is always varying too!  It is never static but always dynamic.  Either our faith is growing, or it is shrinking.  (The results are directly linked to our exposure to God’s Word.)

There is no tiny fringe of our existence that is not impacted by change. 

Except one.  Our God doesn’t change.  Our God never changes.

God’s attributes (characteristics) haven’t changed.  The Lord is still eternal, almighty, and present everywhere.  He is still all-knowing.  He is still good and faithful.  He is still holy and righteous, but also merciful, gracious, loving and forgiving.

God’s promises haven’t changed either.  The unchanging God is still with us, and always will be.  The fact that God works everything for the good of his people won’t change either.  Nor will Jesus redemption of us, or his resurrection; those are unchanging facts.  Furthermore, God still has a special home prepared for us in heaven.  

God’s Word hasn’t changed, and God’s loving plans for us haven’t changed either.

The fact that our God doesn’t change … and isn’t changing … and won’t change is incredibly comforting at a time of incredible change and in a world overflowing with change.

The Bible reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.  (James 1:17-18)

How extraordinary to have a God who doesn’t change – who is untouched by the Second Law of Thermodynamics (because he created it!).   The way God was … is the way God is … and the way God always will be.

So it turns out there are actually two constants, two changeless truths: change is everywhere … except, that is, in our unchanging God.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Our “Item Description”

Our “Item Description”

Here’s a post I shared several years ago.  I believe it is equally applicable still today.  I pray it gives you food for thought and nutrition for your soul.

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Were you aware that the term “item description” is a thing?  Not a general, generic thing, but an actual, important, frequently-used thing?  As a matter of fact, there is plenty of online attention devoted specifically to compiling effective item or product descriptions.   

What is an “item description?”  It’s the marketing summary that explains what a product is and why it’s worth purchasing.  The product description’s goal is to supply readers with information on the features and benefits of something so the customer is compelled to buy it (i.e. a sales pitch!).

Marsha Collier describes it this way, “After you hook potential bidders with your title, reel’em in with a fabulous description for your items. … Think infomercial (the classier the better).”  She then proceeds to provide a list of suggestions for writing a magnificent item description.  Here are some of her key points:

  • Write a factual description.
  • Accentuate the positive.
  • Include the negative.
  • Include short, friendly banter.
  • Be concise and to the point – don’t ramble!

As I considered the concept of item descriptions, I was intrigued by the thought of compiling our own descriptions.  How would we describe ourselves within the above parameters to “sell” others on how to view us?

Here’s my attempt at my own item (person) description:

Do you like hanging around with older, shorter guys?  Then this is your type of guy!  David is 5 feet 6 inches short (and getting shorter with age!) with gray hair (and getting grayer!).  But as they say, great things come in small, white-crowned packages!  And all the better if they have a few years of wear and tear.  Stocky but generally durable; usually quiet but able to carry on an animated discussion; fairly well-read and even knowledgeable of Scripture; a man of faith with an avid love of the outdoors, David would be an excellent companion, whether you have some chores that need doing, a craving to chat, a spiritual question, or a hankering for an outdoor adventure.  Your life will be better with David around!

I’m not sure if that is a solid item description of me or not.  What I can tell you is that the description was far more difficult to write than I anticipated it would be.  If you doubt this, try writing an item description of yourself yourself.  (Yes, there is supposed to be two “yourselfs” in that last sentence.)  I suspect you might struggle with the words as well.

That difficulty is compounded a hundred-fold were we to attempt to describe ourselves to God.   How do we “sell” ourselves to the holy, all-knowing Lord?  Thinking about it, here is what I came up with:

I have nothing to offer you, Lord.  Even my good qualities and various talents flow entirely from your creating hand.  I have disobeyed your every command in every aspect of my life.  I am a despicable sinner who deserves nothing but the worst from you.  But I cling in faith to Jesus, who lived and died in my place, atoning for my every atrocity, and then rose back to life.  That’s all I have, but in Jesus I trust I have it all.

That’s a drastically different person description than the first one, isn’t it?  But what else can I say about myself to the Lord almighty – to the perfect and perfectly righteous God?

And what might be the Lord’s description of me (and all who rely upon Jesus’ atonement)?  I’m only speculating, of course.  But in light of Scripture, I suspect He might describe me/us something like this:

Loved!  Forgiven!  Saved!  Blessed!

Or perhaps the Lord would revert to the words he inserted in the Bible?  This is more elaborate but top-notch item description:

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.  (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Now that’s a description I will gladly accept!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Learning to Learn: Blog Anniversary Thoughts

Learning to Learn: Blog Anniversary Thoughts

The day I share this will be the three-year anniversary of my very first post on “Heading to Heaven.”  This is my 162nd offering on this site, though I’ve run a few repeats over time.  Today we embark on year four!

It’s difficult to fathom that much time and that many words have been invested already!  The waters of time, and the thousands of sentences, have flowed rapidly by.

I had no bucket-list goal to start a blog.  In fact, it never really occurred to me before.  Rather, it was something I felt led to do during the restrictions of COVID.  Though the concept was beyond intimidating, with great trepidation and much prayer I ventured forth. 

And I’m still venturing.  I pray that someone somewhere has been encouraged by something I wrote at some time.

When I began this blog I had no idea what I was doing.  (And really, I still don’t!)  It has been an ongoing educational process.  Here are a few things that I’ve learned along the way:

God sometimes (often?) leads us down unexpected paths for his own reasons. God’s plans are God’s plans, and he gets us involved in some little way according to his plan.

I’ve gained just enough information about building and running a blog site to barely get by.

Our God can and does make miracles happen. All the time!  I’ve seen them on both ends of this enterprise.

I’ve learned that the Lord ministers to his people in many different manners … but always in the right way at the right time.

I’ve been reminded how powerful and pertinent God’s words are. They are life-changing and continually relevant.

Jesus’ love for you and me is unmistakable, unimaginable, and unrelenting.

I’ve grown from personal experiences along the way … both the significant ones and those less so. (Which finally makes all those learning experiences significant.)

I have gained so many insights – into God’s astounding creation, into life in general, and best of all, into God’s magnificence and his truths – as I researched topics and ruminated on the posts I shared.

God is always faithful; I never once struggled to find a topic to share. Never even had to worry about it.  Week by week, ideas always came.  (Thank you, Lord!)

I’ve learned (actually re-learned) that I thoroughly enjoy telling stories.  And especially if they convey aspects of God’s truth in a (hopefully!) creative, fresh, thought-provoking and beneficial manner.

As I wrote, praying to provide uplifting insights and encouragement for others, I was undoubtedly the one who benefited the most.

When others shared comments, I’ve been blessed and encouraged through their (your!) insights. Sincere thanks to all who have taken the time to do so over the years.

As is generally true of life, the more wisdom I’ve gained, the more I realize how little I know!

I’ve learned I am eager to continue to learn – especially about our good and gracious God. It’s a life-long process, and thouroughly exciting.

Experience has also taught me that after I post this list, I’ll think of some really important lessons I failed to mention!

Here’s an ongoing learning experience: I’m continually astonished, humbled, and grateful that anyone reads these posts, as well as every time a new person subscribes to the blog. Sincere thanks to all of you!

Finally, here’s something I would love to learn: do you have any requests for future topics or short stories?  If you do, please leave them in the comments below.  I’ll try to honor any suggestions that come in.

I’d also be glad to hear if you have been blessed in any way by “Heading to Heaven” through the years.  I’m not looking for praise; just affirmation that God has used this site, and encouragement to continue it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Proverbs 3:13-15
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.  She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Psalm 119:169
May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word.

Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding …

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Colossians 1:9-14
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Majestic and Magnificent

Majestic and Magnificent

It’s springtime, so there’s a few more days in Western Washington with clear skies.  Which means Mt. Rainier is visible again more often.  Here’s a post I wrote several years ago about this stunning creation of God … and about the astonishing God who created it.

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It’s 14,410 feet of majesty and magnificence.  On a clear day in the Puget Sound, it isn’t just visible; it’s prominent.  In fact, it dominates the skyline!

Situated just 40 miles Southeast of my current home in Tacoma, Mount Rainier often appears as a giant hologram … startlingly vivid but technologically created.  Only it’s not.  It’s absolutely real!

Also referred to as Mount Tahoma, it certainly isn’t the highest mountain in the world.  At least 16 other mounts are supposedly taller … some by only the smidge of a few feet.  Nevertheless, Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State and the Cascade Range, and as inspiring a mountain as can be found anywhere. 

The reason for its impressiveness is due to what scientists call “topographic prominence,” or how far a mountain extrudes from the surface around it.  In fact, of the 128 “ultra-prominent mountain peaks” in the United States, Mount Rainier is ranked third!  It has a topographic prominence of 13,210 feet.  Majestic and magnificent indeed!

Tahoma is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states.  Its 26 major glaciers and 36 square miles of permanent snow and ice add to the mountain’s striking view year-round.  These glaciers spawn five sizable rivers: the Cowlitz, Carbon, Mowich, Nisqually and Puyallup.

But far under the cold and beautiful ice rages fiery lava.  Rainier is an active volcano.  While it hasn’t produced a major eruption in about 500 years, it is the source of frequent seismic activity (earthquakes). There is a high probability of future eruptions, making it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.  It’s sheer size, towering over 3-plus million people, as well as the significant mantle of ice adorning it, could result in massive lahars devastating huge swaths of populated countryside.  Not only is Mount Rainier majestic and magnificent, it is daunting and intimidating as well!

I’ve often thought that Mount Rainier is an apt symbol of the Lord.

The state of Washington is blessed with not just multiple volcanoes and multiple mountains; it’s blessed with multiple mountain ranges!  But none of the other many mountains can compare with Tahoma.  It clearly rises above all the rest.  As does our God.  There are many other “gods,” but none can compete with the Lord.  He stands above all.  He stands alone.

Interestingly, there are actually three peaks atop the mountain: Columbia Crest, Point Success, and Liberty Cap.  The Bible describes the One-and-Only-God as comprising three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  One mountain yet three peaks; one God yet three persons.  Certainly not a perfect illustration, but fascinating nonetheless.

There is no denying the hidden danger and potential ferocity of the volcano that is Mount Rainier.  It can surely bring destruction.  So too can the God of the Bible.  There is nothing more lethal than the Lord.  To ignore Him or reject Him inevitably leads to ruination.

Tahoma is gorgeous – striking to the eyes and stirring to the emotions!  But there is nothing more beautiful than our God in all his glory.  Nothing in all of creation, not even the shimmering angels, can compare.  Yet God’s greatest beauty, his ultimate glory, resides in the fact that he saved sinners.  God’s grace demonstrated by God himself taking our place and dying our death, is an act of unspeakable loveliness … and love.  It stirs our souls and pours joy into our hearts.

Just as Mount Rainier often appears to “float” on the horizon … suggesting an unreal presence, so the Lord can seem distant and unattached to our reality as well.  But just as Rainier actually exists, our God is also “Fact,” and intimately connected to us.  He is real, and really engaged in our lives.

On the rare non-overcast days in the Fall through Spring in Western Washington, the locals often state jubilantly, “The Mountain is out!”  Of course, “The Mountain” is always there, whether the weather allows us to see it or not.  And so it is with our God.  Even when we can’t lay our eyes upon Him, the Lord is still with us.  Then there are those times where God’s presence, providence and protection are obvious, and we exclaim, “The Lord is here!”

When my aunt was in Washington for my ordination, she nicknamed Mt. Rainier the “Silent Intruder.”  A person can be lost in thought driving or walking, just minding their own business, when suddenly Rainier pops into view and takes one’s breath away.  If we are looking through the eyes of faith, God does that often!  We recognize God’s appearances and activity repeatedly in our day-to-day lives.  He frequently leaves us in awe.  We certainly experience that when we focus our eyes on the cross.  And then again on our Savior’s empty tomb!  Breathtaking indeed!

“This is what the LORD says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.  Who then is like me? … Do not tremble, do not be afraid. … Is there any God besides me?  No, there is no other Rock; I know not one”   (Isaiah 44:6-8).

Mount Rainier is undeniably majestic and magnificent.  But the mountain doesn’t even come close to the majesty and magnificence of the Lord, our Rock and Redeemer!

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To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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I Killed Him.  But Not for Long!

I Killed Him.  But Not for Long!

I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t believe me.  In fact, anyone who does believe me will undoubtedly be regarded as a fool.  Nevertheless, what I’m about to share is absolutely true, and greater the fool who does not believe it … as unbelievable as my words may sound.

My name is Justus.  I’m a Roman centurion assigned to Governor Pilate’s detachment in Judea.  I happened to have the unfortunate fate of overseeing the killing of the Son of God.

I didn’t do it in battle or out of any animosity toward him.  I was just following orders.  (And, it seems, God’s plan.)

When Jesus was first brought to the governor, he was already badly beaten.  Clearly the temple guard had abused him before bringing him to Pilate.  I had a close-up view because it happened to be my day to personally guard Pilate, along with another centurion named Valerius.  (There are always two experienced soldiers flanking the governor, with extra legionnaires lounging out of sight nearby ready to respond should any threat show itself.)

My first impression of Jesus was striking.

I’ve seen many criminals and accused criminals in my day, and they are all the same.  They always protest their innocence.  Either arrogantly or fearfully – but always aggressively!  Jesus. however, didn’t say a word! 

The chief priests and Jewish leaders were vehemently accusing Jesus of subverting the people, and any number of other crimes.  They wanted Jesus dead.  (It’s hard for me to imagine spiritual leaders so set on taking someone’s life; it doesn’t seem godly to me.  Nevertheless, I heard it with my own ears.)

Meanwhile, Jesus calmly and regally stood before the man who could condemn him to death, silent and unflinching.  Which seemed to infuriate his enemies even more and foster the flinging of more charges. 

Governor Pilate was clearly astonished that Jesus would make no defense for himself – even when asked or demanded.  I was astonished too!  Clearly, this was no ordinary man.

When in Jerusalem, Pilate resided in Herod the Great’s palace on the western end of the upper city.  Of course, the governor was in town during the Passover Festival should any unexpected excitement arise. We initially met the crowd bringing Jesus on the pavement outside the palace.  (The people didn’t want to enter the palace and be “defiled” for the festival.) 

After hearing the Jewish leaders’ accusations, Pontius Pilate motioned for Valerius and myself to escort Jesus away from the throng.  Pilate wanted to withdrew from the clamor and speak with Jesus privately, so we climbed the steps into the Praetorium.

While attending the governor, we are trained to focus on the surroundings and protect from potential threats.  And we do that well.  But when in such close proximity to the man, it is impossible not to hear things.  Important things.  Life-changing things.

That momentous morning I overheard a number of remarkable things.

First, the governor’s wife sent an urgent message to him … actually interrupting the proceedings, which is unprecedented.  Her message was stunning.  “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”  At hearing this, Pilate’s eyes grew wide.  He was momentarily taken aback and hesitated to proceed.

But when he did, I heard another remarkable statement.  The governor asked Jesus if he was a king as the people claimed.  Jesus actually answered this question!  He acknowledged he was indeed a king, but said “My kingdom is not of this world.”  Again, Pilate’s world was rocked.  This was a ridiculous claim, but Jesus was absolutely sincere.  And he was clearly not unhinged.

“You are a king, then!” exclaimed Pilate.

Jesus answered, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

To which the frustrated and cynical governor replied, “What is truth?”

Jesus turned his gaze to me and said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”  Something stirred in me, and I knew in my soul it was true.

As for Pilate, remember that it was commonly believed by the Romans that the gods visited the earth in human form.  The governor wasn’t an overly religious man, but he was superstitious enough to not want to press his luck.  Once Jesus stated that his kingdom wasn’t in this world, the governor was determined to release him.

When he suggested this to the Jews, they demanded crucifixion.  In an attempt to appease their bloodlust, he reluctantly had Jesus flogged.

I was thankful that I was guarding the governor that morning and had to remain by his side.  I wanted no part of hurting Jesus, who was clearly guilty of nothing more than inflaming the jealousy of the Jewish spiritual leaders.  My comrades, however, took particular delight in torturing Jesus even beyond the flaying of his back and legs with the scourge.  Even from a distance, we could hear their boisterous revelry at Jesus’ expense. 

Pilate was clearly shaken.

When they finally brought the bleeding prisoner back to the hall, it was obvious they had been more brutal with him than most.  Jesus was a mess.  He was wearing a crown of thorns and a purple robe … the material thoroughly saturated with the blood from his wounds.  I’m a hardened soldier who has seen a lot, but my heart went out to him. 

Pilate led the blood-covered and stumbling Jesus out to the crowd, hoping now for the opportunity to release him.  But the people refused, screaming, “Crucify him!  Crucify him!”

Pilate replied that he found no basis for such a sentence.  That’s when the chief priests informed the governor that the reason they demanded capital punishment was because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God.

When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid.  It seemed to align with Jesus’ own words spoken to him a short time before.  Once more he retreated into the hall to question Jesus … asking him where he came from.  When Jesus refused to answer, Pilate said, “Do you refuse to speak to me?  Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

Then I heard another one of those mind-blowing statements.  Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.  Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

Upon hearing this, Pilate was doubly determined to free Jesus.  However, the uproar from the nationals increased, and finally the governor had to acquiesce; he couldn’t afford to have a riot break out.  And especially with so many visitors in the city.  With halting voice, he sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.  The mob roared.

Pulling Valerius and myself close, the trembling Pilate ordered us to accompany Jesus to the crucifixion and oversee it.  “You have seen and heard.  Try to show him some compassion.  And may the gods have mercy on me.”

The crucifixion process for Jesus was unremarkable, other than that he didn’t fight or protest and beg as the nails were about to be driven through his body.  He passively endured them.  (Or at least, as passively as the excruciating pain they caused would allow.)  To not make any resistance, either verbally or physically, was definitely unusual. 

The events that occurred shortly thereafter were even more unusual.

After we had nailed him to the cross and raised him up, I heard something I have never heard from any crucified person before or since.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  He was staring at me as he spoke.  I admit it; this rattled me.  Why did he keep looking at me like that?

Then another unprecedented event occurred.  At noon, the sun quite shining.  It didn’t just dim a bit, but darkened completely!  This lack of light didn’t occur only over Jerusalem, but over the entire land!  It was like midnight under a heavy cloud cover with no moonlight.  It was beyond eerie; it was downright terrifying! 

There was widespread panic in the city.  Many were certain the world was ending.  Wailing arose along with shouted prayers to Jahweh to have mercy and restore the light.  Clearly this was no eclipse; the utter blackness lasted three hours!

Regardless of the unprecedented events, Valerius and I had to hold our posts and continue to be diligent in monitoring our soldiers and the condemned.  Amazingly, even during that dark and unsettling time, the mocking and ridicule of Jesus continued … from his enemies, from some of my soldiers, and even from one of the men crucified with Jesus.  But the other condemned man rebuked him, and then made a remarkable request.  “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus’ reply was stunning.  “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

What?  How could Jesus say this?  How could he know the time of their death, and especially their destination afterward?  It could take days to die by crucifixion.  And no one really knew anything about the afterlife.  Yet Jesus seemed certain on both.  Who was this man?

But shortly afterward Jesus shouted out and died. That’s when things became really interesting!

In the darkness, a heavy rumble arose from the earth, and the ground began rolling and shaking.  Increasingly panicked cries rose from all around as people became more convinced that all was ending.  The cross holding Jesus’ mocker tilted askew, and the man cried out in pain as his body pulled against the nails. Jesus’ jeering opponents beneath him were toppled painfully to the ground.  Explosive cracks sounded in the vicinity as rock formations split.

A terrified Valerius grabbed my arm.  Gesturing toward Jesus, he exclaimed, “Surely this was a righteous man.”  To which I replied, “More than that.  Surely he was the Son of God!”

And just that quickly, the sun began to share its joyful rays again.  Shouts of praise rose from the relieved Jews nearby, and they began to assess the damage from the earthquake.

A spear point thrust into Jesus’ chest proved he was dead.  Our soldiers breaking the legs of the other two men brought hasty demises to them as well.  Our job was done.  But I couldn’t easily dismiss the fact that it seemed I had been instrumental in killing the Son of God.  As exhausted as I was from the events of the day, I struggled to sleep that night.

The next morning I was amazed to hear the Jewish leaders requested a Roman seal over Jesus’ tomb.  They were convinced some of Jesus’ followers would steal the body and claim he had risen back to life as he contended he would do during his life. 

I was even more amazed when orders came down from Pontius Pilate to do so.  I would have thought the governor would have been thoroughly fed up with these pushy people by that point.  But apparently he wanted to go the extra distance to appease them … undoubtedly hoping finally and fully.  Peace is a precious thing in volatile Palestine.

So a detachment of Roman guards was dispatched to the tomb.  The first group made the tomb secure by putting a Roman seal on the large stone covering the entrance.  For someone to break it meant death.  Then they assumed the first round of guard duty. 

The way we Romans handle this is through three-hour shifts of four soldiers each.  It’s actually a rather impressive and imposing sight.  Each soldier is responsible for six square feet of space. The fully armed guards don’t leave that space.  Nor are they even allowed to sit down or lean against anything while on duty.  

Normally centurions don’t pull guard duty.  However, to the surprise and delight of my soldiers, I assigned myself to the Sunday morning shift (the fourth watch of the night, often referred to the “cock-crowing vigil.”).  I have always been an early riser, and I was still struggling with all that had transpired in regard to Jesus.  I had been so involved in his final hours that I harbored an affinity to him.  I couldn’t explain it, but I felt drawn to be outside his tomb that morning.

The first hours of the watch were quiet; the Jews still observing their Sabbath day and night of rest.  A flurry of activity was expected at first light as another week in Jerusalem began, especially on the heels of the festival.

I was still contemplating Jesus … what I had heard him say, who he had been, and what I had done to him … when I noticed two brilliantly bright lights in the night sky.  They were moving – arcing down from the heavens and rapidly drawing closer.  The other guards spotted them too, gasping and brandishing their spears in defensive postures.  “What is that?” someone blurted out.

The lights continued to approach; they seemed fixed on our location.  The closer they came, the more blinding was their aura.  Before having to look away, I was able to distinguish two human-like figures dressed in white robes, bright as lightening.  But unlike a lightening flash, their brilliance never disappeared; it only increased in intensity.  They glided on the air in a standing posture, their arms by their sides.

Even with our eyes pressed shut and our arms crossed in front of our faces, we could still sense the area around us brightening … the inky black of early morning being driven away as with the brilliant light of a sunny summer day.  Only this light was purer and whiter than sunshine.  It was painful; piercing through closed eyelids and into our very flesh, seeming to expose all our inner ugliness.

We fell to the ground in abject terror, assuming fetal positions in the dirt with hands over our heads and shaking uncontrollably as the beings swooped over us.  Expecting to be struck dead, I heard stone grating against stone as the large carved door was rolled away from the tomb’s entrance.  Then for the second time in just days, a deep rumbling arose and the ground began pitching violently beneath us.  Another earthquake!

It was too much for us; the terror took us out of awareness. 

When I came to, my eyes happened to be focused on the open entrance to the tomb.  To my astonishment, I saw a living Jesus stepping out into the feeble light of dawn.  He lifted his face and raised his arms toward the sky; a joyous smile appearing.

I raised my head in wonder.  Jesus turned his gaze to me once again.  He stepped over to me, placed his warm hand tenderly on my forehead, (my helmet had rolled off in my collapse), and said, “Do not be afraid.  I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” 

Tears of joy flowed down my cheeks.  Jesus smiled at me.  “Justice has been done, Justus.  Learn what this means.”  With that, he walked away into the early morning shadows, whistling happily.

As for me, I was determined to learn more about this Jesus.  What I already knew was that he was so much more than just a man.

One final note.  Some of the other guards fearfully reported what had happened to the chief priests.  (They were afraid to tell Pilate; he could execute them for failure to carry out their assigned duty.)  I didn’t go with them.  If I had, I would have told those power-hungry men that their efforts to take Jesus out had failed miserably.  He was alive again. 

Yes, I may have killed him.  But not for long!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I did not intend for this story to become quite so long.  However, as I began to reflect on all that Justus might have seen and heard, and which the Holy Spirit could have used to change him, I kept finding more that seemed necessary to include!  Despite the story’s length, I pray that it was an enjoyable and ultimately encouraging read.

I did take some liberties with the storyline regarding Justus, and embellished some of the events Scripture mentions in passing.  However, to the best of my ability, I accurately portrayed the Biblical account of Jesus’ trial, death and resurrection, as well as the Roman way of doing things.

As for the guards at the tomb, there is a difference of opinion on whether they were Roman guards or Jewish temple guards.  I concluded that they were probably Roman ones – not just for the purpose of this story, but for logical reasons.  The biggest ones being that Roman soldiers would probably be the ones to guard a Roman seal, and Jewish guards would probably have little reason to fear Governor Pilate’s retribution for falling asleep on duty.

Happy Easter!

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The Countdown

The Countdown

We recently traveled down to Texas for our oldest son’s wedding.  The wedding was lovely, and the time with family members exceptional.  However, the travel process there and back was trying.

Nothing extraordinarily bad or even unusual occurred, and the Lord graciously granted safe journeys to our entire family.  (Thank you, Lord!)  However, traveling days … especially when done via airplanes … are always long days.  And even more so when operating on only a few hours of sleep, flying a great distance and/or changing multiple time zones.

I’m not sure if this is a personally beneficial practice for me, nevertheless I’ve begun to think of flying days as a series of steps to check off along the way to reaching our destination.  (It’s a bit of a downer early in the process with multiple hurdles still to overcome, but increasingly uplifting as we near the end of them.)  Perhaps you mentally check off the steps as well as you are working your way through the flying process?

Here are the items I typically countdown on traveling days:

  1. Stow the last-minute items in the suitcases, and transfer the suitcases into the vehicle.
  2. Drive to the airport parking lot you will be using.
  3. Register at the parking lot, receive the “upon return” information, and catch the shuttle to airport.
  4. Check your bags with the proper airline and pocket your boarding passes.
  5. Advance through airport security.
  6. Locate the proper flight gate.
  7. Grab a meal before boarding, if needed. (If a long flight awaits, it’s usually a solid plan.)
  8. Board the plane and find your seat.
  9. Say your prayer for safe travel, get as comfortable as possible and enjoy/endure the flight.
  10. De-board the plane upon landing
  11. Repeat steps 6-10 if catching a connecting flight to your destination.
  12. At your final airport, locate the baggage claim and retrieve your suitcases.
  13. Transition to the rental car facility. (Which is typically offsite and necessitates catching some mode of transportation to it.)
  14. Fill out the necessary paperwork to receive your rental car. (Hopefully you don’t have to wait in a lengthy line to do so!)
  15. Familiarize yourself with the new vehicle, program your GPS, and find someplace for another meal. (Because after all that has transpired, it’s probably time to eat again!)
  16. Finally … drive to your intended location. (Which, if fortunate, is not too distant!)

None of this is typically difficult.  But all of this combined usually makes for an extremely lengthy and exhausting day.

As we were traveling back from Texas, I was pondering my travel check list (and our place on it), when it occurred to me that while Jesus was “traveling” into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey foal, he had his own upcoming events checklist on his mind.

But his list was much more important than any flying day list, and much less appealing!

While there were certainly some upcoming activities that Jesus eagerly anticipated, such as the last days of teaching his disciples and instituting the Lord’s Supper, there was a bevy of extremely unpleasant ones in the Savior’s immediate future.

The complete list would be too extensive, (and probably too heart-rending), but here are the key aspects, beginning four days later:

  1. In the depths of Thursday night, Jesus begs his Heavenly Father to find another way to save sinners. His anguish is so intense that his perspiration includes blood, and an angel from heaven appears to strengthen him.  Meanwhile his disciples sleep instead of comforting him.  There is no other alternative to save sinners, so in love, Jesus acquiesces to his Father’s will.
  1. Early on Friday morning, Judas the betrayer, one of Jesus inner twelve disciples, leads a mob to arrest him. The rest of Jesus’ disciples and followers abandon him.
  1. Jesus endures two illegal “trials” before the former high priest and the official one.
  1. As day is dawning on Friday, Peter denies Jesus for a third time.
  1. Jesus is convicted of blasphemy for claiming to be God (a true assertation!) and judged worthy of death by the Jewish ruling council. He is mocked, spit upon, blindfolded and beaten with fists.
  1. His enemies escort him to the Roman governor, Pilate. Pilate sends him to Herod who is eager to see miracles.  Jesus does none so Herod and his soldiers dress him in a robe and mock him.  After entertaining themselves at Jesus’ expense, Herod sends him back to the governor.
  1. Pilate tries to release Jesus, but with a potential riot forming, he finally condemns him to crucifixion.
  1. Jesus is stripped and flogged.
  1. The entire company of the governor’s soldiers gather to torture him. They place a scarlet robe on his shoulders and a wreath of thorns on his head, which they then beat upon with a wooden staff.
  1. Finally tiring of the “fun,” the soldiers place the beam of a cross on Jesus’ bloodied shoulders and lead him toward the crucifixion hill. In his weakness, he stumbles under the weight.  Another man is “recruited” to finish the task.
  1. Reaching “the place of the skull,” Jesus has nails driven through his hands and feet, and is lifted into place on the cross.
  1. Jesus has to push his torn back up against the wood of the cross each time he needs a new breath.
  1. The physical pain is excruciating … a word which actually has its origin in the crucifixion process.
  1. The Father abandons the Son as Jesus endures the horrors of hell itself … the just punishment for our sins, though He was sinless.
  1. Jesus is mocked both by many below his cross, and by one who is crucified beside him.
  1. Jesus gives up his spirit and his physical body dies.

Jesus’ Palm Sunday checklist is far more radical than our traveling one.  Just as we are glad to mentally cross of our last items on a long day of transitioning from one place to another, imagine Jesus’ joy on Easter morning after safely arriving at his “destination,” his resurrected body leaving the tomb.

How incredible that he was willing to make that trip.  How wonderful it is for you and me!  It checks off a number of items we would never be capable of achieving on our own.

Atonement for our sins?  (Check!)

Forgiveness?  (Check!)

Reconciliation with God?  (Check!)

Salvation?  (Check!)

Peace?  (Check!)

Joy?  (Check!)

Security?  (Check!)

Purpose?  (Check!)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hebrews 12:2
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 9:26
But [Christ] has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Ephesians 5:2
… Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

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