Going straight to the Cross
 

Precious

by Michael E. Brooks

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15).

Two major news stories in the United States during the last week of December, 2004, involved death. One, of course, was global in scope, involving the huge earthquake and tidal wave in the Indian Ocean, which killed more than one hundred thousand persons and caused almost unbelievable damage in many countries. The other was probably not noticed much in other countries. It was the sudden, unexpected death of Reggie White, a former NFL football great, known also for his faith and ministry. Both events were covered widely, and millions of people were followed the stories with great interest. Not just because of death, but because of how and to whom death came.

Death is a universal, everyday experience. "It is appointed for men to die once" (Hebrews 9:27). For this reason, the "ordinary" death of most individuals is not particularly newsworthy or remarkable. Only when death comes to many people together, or to a true celebrity, or through some unusual or horrifying circumstance, does the world take notice.

But to those directly affected (family and friends) every death is important. We sorrow and grieve because of the personal loss; the more personal the loss, the greater the sorrow. Our loved ones are special and their deaths touch us deeply.

The Psalmist observes that even God reacts in this same way to our deaths. When "his saints" die, he notices and he takes it personally. Nowhere is this more plainly demonstrated than in John 11:35, when Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. Faithful Christians are God's "family". He loves us, and he cares about everything that happens to us.

Does this mean that God grieves at our death? Probably not, but it is an event of importance. It makes a difference to the eternal, almighty Creator. That is truly remarkable. It indicates just how much we matter. Human life is the greatest single component of this created universe. Nothing is as important. Nothing matters so much.

Jesus taught, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).

The world may not really notice or care when we pass from this life. But God does. And that alone guarantees our worth.

      ... subscribe
   
Your Status
Menu
New Additions

Update on FMag


Forthright Magazine continues, more dynamic than ever! We have groups created for FMag on Facebook and the Churches of Christ Network. Announcement blog is up and going on Preachers Files. Email lists about FMag and FPress are available both on Yahoo and GoogleGroups. And, to top it all off, we're twittering for both on Twitter.com.
by randal @ 1/20/09, 11:55 AM

How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless


by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 5:24--47 How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless Yes, it is popular to say that we are not supposed to judge, but the truth is we all make judgments about many things daily. Otherwise, we would never succeed in life. The real question is what is our guide for judging. Why can we not simply follow the example of our Master and Lord? He said, 30 "I can of Myself ... more ...
by diane amberg @ 5/18/05, 5:08 AM

Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name?


by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This morning read First Chronicles 1--3 Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name? Think on the manner, in which the Book of First Chronicles begins, 1 Adam, Seth, Enosh (1 Chr. 1:1). In this way begins the longest genealogy in the Bible. The names continue to the end of the ninth chapter! Were these just names? Adam; who is he? You know there is more in the Bible than the mere mention of his name in ... more ...
by diane amberg @ 5/18/05, 5:05 AM
...
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 5:1--23 Jesus healed a man. Praise God! However, Jesus healed him on the Sabbath. Uh oh. Some people were ready to kill Jesus for this perceived violation of the Sabbath Law. 16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath (Joh. 5:16). Jesus did a good thing. Yet, people criticized Him severely for it. And they were not people ... more ...
by diane amberg @ 5/18/05, 5:03 AM

They Were His Servants


by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Second Kings 24 and 25 They Were His Servants As the writer of Second Kings explains whom the Lord sent against Judah, the writer said that this was 2 ...according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken by His servants the prophets (2 Kin. 24:2). Those great men we have honored for centuries were nothing more than servants of the Lord God. What does that make us? Do you do something ... more ...
by diane amberg @ 5/18/05, 5:01 AM
...
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 4:30--54 The disciples went into a town to buy food while Jesus remained out of the town. There He engaged a woman in conversation. When the disciples returned, here is what happened, 31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." 32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know" (Joh. 4:31, 32). As you read the Gospel According to John, watch ... more ...
by diane amberg @ 5/18/05, 4:59 AM

Having a Tender Heart


by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Second Kings 22 and 23 Having a Tender Heart When Josiah heard the word of God for the first time, he tore his clothes, knowing of the wrath that was upon Jerusalem for the idolatry of his forefathers. Therefore, he sent messengers to a prophetess to inquire of the Lord. He did have a message for Josiah. God said through the prophetess, 19 "...because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before ... more ...
by diane amberg @ 5/18/05, 4:56 AM
March 2024
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31
August
last updated: 8/25/12, 10:32 AM online for 7999 Days

RSS Feed

Made with Antville
powered by
Helma Object Publisher