"Guaranteed Delivery"

“Guaranteed Delivery”

About two years ago Karen and I contacted an attorney friend in New Hampshire who’d drawn up some legal documents for us. Since we have no plans to move back north (is anyone surprised?) we asked him to send the originals to us, which he did by certified mail. A week or so later he emailed us that the package had been returned to him marked “Refused”. (To our knowledge no delivery attempt was made so how could it have been rejected?) So I went to our nearby post office to ask what should be done (and maybe complain a bit). The papers were then resent and we received them within the time indicated.

Generally speaking, the Postal Service lives up to its two slogans “We deliver for you” and “Guaranteed delivery”. In this case, however, we could add “But not necessarily”. Sometimes delays are unavoidable due to weather and equipment failures but the human factor may play a part. Our situation was aggravating but in the end we received what we needed and life went on.

The Bible I use for most of my studying lists more than 40 Old Testament predictions of the coming of the Messiah (meaning “Anointed One”). Then “…when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman….” (Galatians 4:4, The Message) and “…he was named Jesus….” (Luke 2:21). Jesus is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Joshua, both meaning “The Lord saves”.

During this Christmas season most of us will utilize the USPS to send cards and gifts. Will it live up to its catchphrases cited above? Probably, but not always. Bur God promised “Guaranteed Delivery” and it happened just as He said it would, affirming Solomon’s words, “Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave….” (1 Kings 8:56). But for whom was He sent? God says, “I deliver for you!” (…The grace of God that brings salvation {deliverance} has appeared to all….”—Titus 2:11, emphasis added) and “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved {delivered}”—Romans 10:13, emphasis added).

God has acted—we celebrate His entrance into human history during this time of year—how will each of us respond?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan