Sunday Shorts - Such is Life

Mark 10:17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

It’s a question that we all ask at some time in our lives: “How can I overcome death and obtain everlasting life?”

When I was eighteen, I overdosed on tranquilizers and almost died. I was saved by three friends, to whom I will forever be indebted. I spent three days in hospital to get my stomach cleaned out to check if my organs were still working. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I could have permanently damaged my kidneys and other vital organs, which would have meant that I would have unavoidably died days later. Thankfully, and providentially, that did not happen. My life had been spared by the quick action of my friends and the medical emergency team at the hospital.

Through being so close to death, it made me think about Life. I was faithless at the time, so if I had died, I could have been lost to everyone forever. I did not know this because I held a childlike belief of God in my heart. However, when I later turned to the scriptures to learn more about God, I was startled by some of the forthright views of Christ because sometimes His words stung me.

I no longer dabble with death or take my life for granted. My attempted suicide has given me a different perspective from most people. Life is something to be cherished, but it is also a gift of God that shouldn’t be wasted or squandered. The purpose of life is to give it back to God. Everything that we accomplish, all of our achievements, and every resource that we own, are nothing compared to the riches of God’s grace and everlasting love. That’s why Jesus asked the young man in this much told story to give up his wealth and esteem – for when he is old and dying, the young man is going to have to give them up anyway.

Health and wealth won’t last forever, but faith and love do. If we want life – a real abundant and everlasting life – then we are also invited to surrender ourselves to God through Jesus Christ.

Point to ponder: What is the purpose of my life and how can Christ make it more abundant?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, each day You challenge us to give up our lives and place them in Your hands. In other words, You’re asking us to have faith in You by surrendering ourselves to Your Church and Kingdom. Help us to do this willingly so we may realize that our lives are gifts from the Lord, which we will eventually give back to God. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Today’s image is one of John’s crayon drawings called “Cosmic Surfer.”

Church devotion: The Talent Business - Matthew 25:14-30

Matthew 25:21        His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”

            Churches are in the talent business. I don’t mean that we’re focused on show business or performance arts (although at Erin we do this very well through our Creative Arts ministries); I’m talking about the biblical meaning of talents, which in this parable of Christ refers to talents of gold. Jesus told this story (Matthew 25:14-30) to convey what’s expected of His followers, as well as what God expects of everyone who is given the gift of life.

            We all have talents and throughout life we are given many opportunities to use or display them. Some people are extroverts and others are introverts, but both types of people have talents that are essential to the witness of the Church in the world. Usually, the extroverts are the team leaders, teachers, and elders in a congregation and their roles are crucial to the forward development of the church. The introverts are frequently the compassionate comforters, praying people, and fellowship feeders whose roles are equally crucial in the pastoral continuity of any congregation. Both have different sets of talents, but when they are combined successfully, churches become effective vehicles of Christ’s message and God’s love.

            As you read this today, ask God to make you aware of the particular talents that He has given you, and then ask Him to give you opportunities to use those talents to help the church, as well as the community that you live in. You are a child of God’s love and grace; use this blessing to help others receive and experience it, too.

Questions for personal reflection

What am I good at? How can I use that skill to benefit others, and bless the work of God?

Prayer:           Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts of faith, hope, and love that You give to all of Your followers. Help us to use those blessings as ways and means of helping our loved ones and other people in their times of need and support. Grant us opportunities to reach out to those who feel let down, disappointed, or forsaken. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please feel free to send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest snowman drawings. It’s called “Winter Cheer.” If you would like to view a larger version, please visit the following link: Snowman.