"A Wasted Death?"

 

“A Wasted Death?”

 

In February 1964 Ken Hubbs, a promising 22-year-old second baseman for the Chicago Cubs and National League Rookie of the Year in 1962, died in a small plane crash in Utah. His death was devastating to his family, team, its fans and the entire baseball world. During that season the Cubs’ plane flew near the accident site and their manager is reported to have said, “What a waste!”

Perhaps you’ve looked at a tragic situation in which a life (or maybe multiple lives) was lost and you saw it as the Cubs’ manager did with his player. It may have been the result of “friendly fire” in the military, a senseless act of violence, a freak occurrence or another unexplainable incident. Several years ago while I was on call for hospital emergencies one Sunday afternoon I received a message that two school age girls were killed in a motorbike collision with a pick-up truck. As I always did, I prayed en route that God would help me deal with this heart wrenching event. When I arrived at the hospital I encountered about 30 grieving relatives and friends in the chapel. I introduced myself and God led me to say (to the best of my recollection), “I don’t have an explanation for what has happened this afternoon so I won’t try to give one. I’m here to listen, pray and try to bring comfort to you in some way.” I prayed for the group and over the next two hours heard many express their feelings. The “Why?” question in my mind was never answered but I took comfort in God’s words, “…My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways….” (Isaiah 55:8) as well as the 1891 hymn, “Some Time We’ll Understand”.

Even though Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing (“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”—1 Peter 2:22 quoting from Isaiah 53:9) He died at the hands of those who hated Him. A wasted death? Absolutely not! “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, emphasis added). But in effect it is wasted for those who reject Him and the hope He brings (“{The one} who has the Son has life; {the one} who does not have the Son does not have life.”—1 John 5:12). Christ’s death is sufficient to deal with everyone’s sin (“The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,”—Romans 10:12, emphasis added). Have you called on Him for forgiveness, hope and true life? If not He’s available to respond to your prayer right now.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Ready for Battle"

 

“Ready for Battle”

 

In my Scripture reading and journaling I came to 1 Chronicles in early August. I was tempted to skip over the opening chapters which record the genealogies of Israel’s tribes but God showed me that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful….” (2 Timothy 3:16, emphasis added). So I fought my way through the jaw-breaking names and—surprise!—God showed me truths I hadn’t seen before.

When I came to Chapter 7 I encountered two similar phrases I hadn’t noticed previously: “ready for battle” (Verses 4 and 40) and “ready to go out to war” (Verse 11). Why were these words included? My guess is that Israel throughout its 3500+ years of history has been surrounded by enemies and has had to (in the words of the Boy Scout motto) “Be Prepared” to defend itself. And God has seen to His people’s preservation despite the myriad of human threats.

As I write this in mid-August Israel is poised for another attack from foes that are determined to obliterate her from the earth. Will God’s people be intimidated? Not if history repeats itself (apparently her “neighbors” haven’t yet gotten the message that they’ll not succeed). For some 35 centuries God has kept His promise as echoed by an unknown poet and songwriter: “…He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4). And in a time of crisis some 2900 years ago He assured King Jehoshaphat that “…the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15). And a generation after Jesus’ earthly ministry Paul wrote, “God did not reject his people….” (Romans 11:2, emphasis added). As I asked an agnostic friend a couple of years ago: Is this luck? Or the hand of God? I never received an answer.

As God’s people today we must be prepared for the spiritual battles which will come our way (“…Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”—2 Timothy 3:12, emphasis added). We protect ourselves with God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-17a), Scripture (Verse 17b), prayer (Verse 18), readiness to speak respectfully when God opens doors (1 Peter 3:15) and keeping closely connected with His family (“Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one…If one person falls, the other can reach out and help….”—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NLT). These resources make us ready for the battles of life. Let’s put them to work to God’s glory.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Remnants"

 

“Remnants”

 

Many flooring and home furnishings stores have a section of carpet remnants available at greatly reduced prices. These are essentially leftovers from installations or large rolls as well as discontinued colors and patterns. People seeking to outfit seasonal vacation homes or rental properties can often find significant savings by exploring this option.

Remnant is a familiar term in Scripture, occurring 65 times, all but three in the Old Testament. The most common Hebrew word means a remainder or what survives. It first appeared after Joseph had revealed who he was to his brothers and calmed their fears by saying, “…God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” (Genesis 45:7). Its most common usage, however, refers to Israelites who remained faithful to God during times of national rebellion and captivity and will return to Him and their land (“In that day the remnant of Israel…will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.”—Isaiah 10:20-21). The Lord’s brother James, leader of the church in Jerusalem, applies the prophecy “…that the remnant of (people) may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my (i.e. God’s) name….” (Acts 15:17 from Amos 9:11-12). So there always have been and always will be faithful followers of God’s ways—without them you and I would never have heard the message of forgiveness and hope through Christ. Examples abound from Noah to the apostles to those today who stand for the right when the wrong is popular in every corner of the world.

Getting back to the floor covering thought brings an uncomfortable question to my mind: Do I give the remnants (or leftovers) of my time, abilities and financial resources to God? Solomon’s wise counsel reminds me, “Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.” Then, speaking to the agrarian society of the day, he adds, “Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, TM, emphasis added). In other words, God’s blessings will flourish.

By God’s grace I’m part of His remnant but He deserves far more than my remnants. A line of a hymn from my teen years tells me, “But unto Him is due (my) best, (my) all.” Am I ready to give it?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Waffling"

 

“Waffling”

 

While I was working on the previous article “Waffles” (please read it before this one) I began thinking of waffling, a word that’s been around for several centuries but seems to have gained a new lease on life in recent years, especially in the political realm. There is a connection between the breakfast treat and the term under consideration here (see below) so let’s examine its history and its usage in our contemporary world.

Several possibilities as to the origin of “waffling” have been suggested but two seem to stand out. Some maintain it refers to a British term for a long trivial talk. The most common opinion, however, links it to a centuries old Scottish word “waff”, meaning to fluctuate. It was used for spreading batter in an irregular pattern (thus the culinary connection) and eventually came to mean indecision or changing one’s mind, likely its most frequent usage today. We may hear it applied derisively to a candidate for public office who changes his or her opinion on issues based on polling data or the make-up of an audience he or she is trying to garner votes from. I once heard a conference speaker tell of a conversation with a Christian who claimed to be “aggressively neutral” when it came to discussions of matters of faith. Sounds like an oxymoron and classic illustration of waffling to me, especially in light of Jesus’ words: “(The one) who is not with me is against me….” (Luke 11:23).

During a time of great ungodliness in Israel God’s prophet Elijah called the nation out in these words: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21). The next phrase is significant: “But the people said nothing.” In other words, they waffled. It took fire from God to end the waffling but it soon returned with a vengeance and continued throughout Israel’s history. About 900 years later Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24). Put another way, “Waffling doesn’t work!” So am I ready to (quoting from George Duffield’s great 1858 hymn) “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone….” and not fall into the waffling trap? Are you?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan