Daily devotions: Cabbages and Kings - Mark 1:15

Mark 1:15       "The time has come," Jesus said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

For some absurd reason, this Gospel verse always reminds me of Lewis Carroll’s poem, “The Walrus and the Carpenter” from Alice’s second adventure “Through the Looking Glass.” I think it’s because both Jesus and the walrus use the same words: ‘the time has come.’ Christ uses them to proclaim the beginning of His ministry, whereas the walrus uses them to talk about nonsense:

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."

As an adult, I still enjoy what Carroll has written, but as a Christian I rejoice with what Christ has proclaimed. His ministry began almost two thousand years ago and it is still being fulfilled all over the world today. Sadly, some people will treat Christ’s words as nonsense and miss out on the greatest opportunity to restore themselves to God, as well as extending their existence into eternity. However, billions of people will take up the invitation and one day will be welcomed into Christ’s presence and God’s kingdom. All of our questions will finally be answered and our lives will be completely fulfilled. The time for Christ’s ministry and message to be proclaimed has come; the question we need to ask ourselves is this: with whom can I share this wonderful invitation today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness and restoration, of healing and new life. You are the Holy One of God who brought all of God’s goodness, mercy, and love to us through Your teaching, Your sacrifice, and Your resurrection. Thank You, Lord Jesus. In Your Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest chess drawings. It’s called “Battle Box” and will be part of a Spring exhibition of his works in a downtown Knoxville coffee shop. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6813390398_0f8e8ddf68_b.jpg

4 minute Devotions: Life is a Journey - 1 John 2:15

1 John 2:15      Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

There’s an old folk song called “The Wayfaring Stranger.” Most people assume it’s an Appalachian song, a Melungeon ballad, or an old African-American spiritual. There’s even some speculation that it was first sung in Britain and brought over to these shores during the large scale immigration of the 18^th century. Whatever its origins, the song has been lovingly sung for generations because it expresses a simple truth: we are all just pilgrims on this planet, heading home to Heaven.

I’ve often stated that life is a journey and that it continues until we reach our eternal destination. Jesus Himself told us that He is the Way to God, so our lives can be continued beyond the grave if we place our hearts and hopes in Him. This, of course, means letting go of all that possesses us on this planet, which is why the Apostle John wrote to his fellow Christians about not loving the world. If we grow too attached to the things around us, and even the people, we will never give our hearts to God. The purpose of this life-long journey is to experience the temporary joys of God on Earth, so that we will be attracted towards, and even yearn for, the infinite bliss of Heaven.

When we accept that life is transitory and look forward to being with Christ in Eternity, we discover a peace about who we are, what we are meant to do, and why we are here in the first place.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You have told us that if we seek You first, we will experience an abundant life. You have also claimed to be The Way in which we can be reunited and restored to God in Heaven.  We believe Your words and look forward to the time when we will at last see You face-to-face in glory. Thank You for Your promises and for the gift of Everlasting Life. In your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s abstracts. It’s called “Church of the Holy Moon.” If you would like to view a larger version, please visit the following link: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/922294289_96d56148da_o.jpg

If you would also like to hear and view a great version of the Wayfaring Stranger song, please visit the following YouTube link which features Trace Adkins singing it at the Grand Ole Opry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXX0S9P1SUo