Jesus on display

Forgiveness

(by R.P.Edwards)

Forgiveness, sir

Is of the will

Regardless of the pain

To bring release

Give way to peace

Best done

In Jesus' name

"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

(Luke 23:34)

Spoken by Jesus as He was being crucified

And falling on his knees he cried out with a loud voice, 

"Lord, do not hold this sin against them."

(Acts 7:60)

Spoken by Stephen, the first Christian martyr as he was being stoned to death.

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Romans 12:21)

Concerning the tragedy in Charleston and the murder of the nine church-goers by the demented young man; my first thought (being alerted by the scrolling headline at the bottom of the screen) was that it was a racist incident. My second thought was that it was ISIS related.

It's been some days and many "stories" have found root in the parishioners blood: gun control vs an armed defense (which had a "gun free zone" element), race relations, mental health, and even the confederate flag.

However, one element that has had some play (and rightly so) is the Christ-like response of some family members towards the troubled and twisted perpetrator. During a bond hearing, where the accused (via video link) faced loved ones of the deceased, he heard words like: "...not allowing hate to win--We are a family that love built, we have no room for hate and we have to forgive--I forgive you--Repent and confess; give your life to Christ--May God have mercy on your soul."

Many were surprised at this other-worldly display. But, to the Jesus lovers among us, this is a natural outpouring from a redeemed spirit. And, if I may, in my experience in the ways of Christian churches; it is  usually the MOST devout who make the extra effort to attend the midweek Bible Study. It only follows that many of their family members would be like minded. And so, what the devil meant for evil...has turned into good. For we have truly seen the love of God...on display.

Following is a youtube link of the hearing.

Victims families addressing Dylann Roof

****

A Tiger's Tale

 

 

Contrition Position
(by R.P.Edwards)

Contrition position
Ready…set…go
Look in the camera
Tell them you “know”
Don’t smile
Be somber
A tear if you can
Read every word
Follow the plan
Now, bail the boat
Lift anchor
Set sail
Try it again
And this time…
Don’t fail

My apologies for the lack of production.  I wanted the dedication to “Dave” to stand alone for a few days.  It was a minor tribute to someone who died an untimely, unnecessary, and mostly unmourned… death.

I watched the confession of Tiger Woods.  Although I tend towards cynicism (though not quite as much since I’m not working the midnight shift), I choose to believe him.  I’ll take him at his word (whether he wrote the “speech” or not) that he will strive to “do right,” and turn away from his wayward path.  For the sake of the wife, the children, the fans, the “followers”…he’ll do right.  I’m praying he does.

However, in the monologue he made a special effort to mention his spiritual roots of Buddhism.  Maybe it’s to counter the whole “turn to Christ” thing brought up by Brit Hume.  Don’t know.  But here’s what he said, “Buddhism…teaches me to stop following every impulse and learn restraint.”  Ah, yes, “learn restraint.”

Since this is a Sunday post, a word about “self-help.”  True, in Christianity we are familiar with the phrases and necessity of  “crucifying the flesh,” and  “renewing the mind,” but, before these “strivings” the journey must, MUST begin…with total surrender; an acknowledgment that in ourselves we are totally unable, incapable of living a life pleasing to God.  Indeed, truth, honor, purity, and real love…all have a source; and this source is never in the unrepentant human heart.  No, these divine attributes come from He who is…divine.  And the entrance to Him is not through “works,” or “wishes,” …but through a bloody cross.  And so, Mr. Woods, I wish you well.  But, if you want to make your journey back to fidelity more sure (not to mention the other, including eternal, benefits), follow the advice of Brit Hume… turn to Christ. 

That's what I think.  How about you?  Click comments below...and say.

Bold Brit

Old and Bold
(by R.P.Edwards)

There’s something about
The advance of gray
In what you do
In what you say
No longer preening
To please the eye
With honest words…
Here’s how
Here’s why
“You want my opinion?”
Well, here it goes
Sorry about
Your tender toes
But there’s something about
The end of years
Through dimming eyes…
Your vision‘s…clear

“You want some advice, Tiger Woods?  Turn to Christ.”  Well, not exactly in those words, but on Fox News Sunday, Brit Hume, a venerable contributor was asked his opinion in regards to sports and the New Year, and, by golly…he gave his opinion.

I always liked Brit.  His calm demeanor; his friendly Bassett-like jowls (no offense); his knowledgeable input and, his ability to take a strong position without being overly combative.  Well, a while back he semi-retired and I remember that he said one of his goals in his latter years…had to do with his faith in God.

As the beginning poem implies, there’s an honesty that can come with age.  Perhaps it’s the realization that life is limited and that ultimately, all our previous milestones--wealth, fame, travel, influence--pale in the silhouette of the coming reaper.  Yes, things are put in perspective.  So…when Mr. Hume was asked a question, he gave an answer.

You know, I’m still, somewhat, in the “preening” phase of life.  Yes, I’ve passed the half century mark, but there are still “goals” and aspirations.  However, upon reflection, I have to concur with Brit…forgiveness and redemption is found in Christ.  And, ultimately, and eternally, that’s where it’s at.

I don’t know if the commentator’s remarks prompted me to action, but there’s a new feature to the left.  It’s a simple gospel message link.  For…when all is said and done…there’s an eternity waiting.  And it might be wise, now and then, to give it…and “Him”…a thought.

That’s what I think.  How about you?  Click comments below…and say.