April 1st People Reflection

Saturday 4/1/2006

Matthew 25.1-30-So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.

Numbers 30-31-This is what GOD commands…

Job 1-GOD gives, GOD takes, God’s name be ever blessed.

2 Esdras 7.100-115-This present world is not the end; the full glory does not remain in it…

Hebrews 5.5-10-but still he had to suffer before he could learn what it really means to obey God.

Numbers 21.4-9-Then the LORD sent poisonous snakes that bit and killed many of them.

Psalm 27.1-6-You will hide me in a tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock.

"I think our time is up."- Bryan and I playing cribbage at the coffee shop- ran out of time- the place closed on us—but Bryan was one point short of winning. He would have won on the next hand. I conceded the game reluctantly. It's funny how competitive I can get. I wonder if there was some competitive spirit with the women waiting with their lamps for the bridegroom? I think maybe so. And then I wonder—was the competition amongst the priests- who can obey all those commandments? I think maybe so. There sure seemed to be come competition between God and Satan over Job. And even today- do we compete to know when the end will come. I think so. We want to know it all. We want to know how everything is going to work out ahead of time. That way we can compete and win. Win what—who knows??—But maybe that’s competition. And in competition comes some suffering. But I don’t see Jesus competing. I see him in full knowledge of the victory he would attain for all people. I see Jesus suffering knowing that he had won. And it’s in Jesus assurance that I hide- and sit on that mighty rock. Knowing that the competition has taken place and I am free to respond in joy and thanksgiving to the prize already won. Yea- sit and reflect on the glory of God on that mighty rock. Sit and reflect with a friend on that rock and glory in the presence of God. "I think our time is up." – But there is an eternity that remains ahead.

Prayer-Lord, give me time this day to reflect and sit with a friend or two on the rock of salvation and be thankful for all you have blessed us with. - Amen