Card Collection - Psalm 86:9

Psalm 86:9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. (NIV)

Quite recently, I started collecting old tobacco cards. I came across a set of vintage racing car cards on Ebay and I was delighted with them. This piqued my interest and as I looked through other listings from all over the globe, it opened me up to a whole new world of collections. My Dad had some from the past – mostly of balloons and early airplanes – but I didn’t realize the amazing variety of subjects, themes, people and places that these colorful cards cover. I am now in the process of happily building up my own collection – mostly of racing cars, ships, military uniforms, famous people, and movie stars.

           

One set caught my eye the other day. It was produced in 1924 between the World Wars and is called “Children of All Nations.” The fifty cards are beautifully drawn with children wearing their traditional costumes. The set depicts the wonderful variety of people across the globe and when they are put side by side, it looks like a beautiful tapestry of humankind. I guess this is what God sees when He looks at us on Earth – a unique collection of creatures, owned and loved by Him.

The ancient psalmist who wrote today’s highlighted verse seems to reflect this. The great destiny of all nations and peoples is to come together to praise our Creator, to worship His ways, and to be called ‘children of God.’ It’s a beautiful image and is one which Christ obtained for humanity by dying for our sins. All we have to do is to receive this great gift and live accordingly – by showing one another grace and by loving one another, no matter who we are or where we come from.

Point to ponder

Do I appreciate the beauty and variety of this unique world? How can I show my thankfulness to God and other people today?

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for the wondrous work of Creation and the amazing variety of life, people, and places on this exceptional planet. Help us to love one another in ways that will honor You and expand the gift of Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s image is a snapshot of the beautiful cards that John wrote about. 😊

John is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome.

4 Minute Daily Devotions: No Favoritism

Acts 10:34, 35 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

It’s a problem for every generation of Christians. How does God treat and judge those who do what is right, but have no knowledge of Jesus? Are they lost forever, or does God give them credit for being good people?

Over the years, I have struggled and wrestled with this. Scripture is absolute when it states that those who believe shall be given everlasting life, whereas those who have no belief shall perish (John 3:16-18). In our cosmopolitan and pluralistic society, those words of John seem to be unacceptable, archaic, and out of touch with the real world. And yet, they were written at a time when the world was just as cosmopolitan and pluralistic as it is today.

When I read Peter’s words this morning, I thought that they might provide the loophole that most of us look for when dealing with this subject. ‘God shows no favoritism’ - not even to Christians? ‘God accepts men from every nation, who fear him and do what is right’ – does this not validate that God accepts all of those who try to do good, no matter what they believe? On the surface, it appears to be that way.

And then, just when I think this serious issue is resolved, Peter adds something to the equation: “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”

Knowledge of God’s message and the good news (Gospel) of peace through Jesus Christ is required. Universalism is therefore not the answer – knowing Jesus is.

People say that Christianity is dying out and they clutch at straws about salvation. However, there are more Christians in the world today than at any time in the history of our faith. Christ’s message is expanding and more people are being saved each day. The world may cling to its own understanding, but the Christian faith has never altered its message: those who know the Lord will know salvation.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, today there will be many people throughout the world who will turn to You and believe. They will set aside their fears and place their faith in You. They will give up on their doubts and give themselves to you. Thank You for increasing the number of Christians on Earth each day. Help us to do whatever we can to bring other people to You. In Your Holy Name, we 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.