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From the Pastor

From the Pastor

It is always interesting to hear some of the final words of people down through history. In May 1864 in the heat of the Civil War, Union General John Sedgwick unknowingly uttered his last words, “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this dist–” He never got out the last syllable. He fell over, killed instantly by the bullet of a Confederate sharpshooter. Promoter P.T. Barnum asked, “How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?” We certainly see where his priorities were. Try to guess who said these words: “Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you.” Those were some of the last words of the Nobel Peace Prize winning nun, Mother Teresa. One of my favorites is what one lady said her final words were going to be to her family. “See, I told you I was sick.” 

 Some of Jesus final words included this message,  "Greater love has no person than this: that one lay down one's life for one's friends." So, for whom would you lay down your life? For your children? For your spouse? For your parents? Perhaps if there were a researcher whom you knew was on the brink of a cure for cancer or heart disease you might, but that is probably just about it. How different is the love of the cross! The Apostle Paul writes in Romans, "God showed his love for us, that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."  Before we ever knew him, before we ever named his name, or joined his church, or walked in his way, before we ever cared, – Christ’s words, his suffering, and his victory was for us.

 On this Memorial Day weekend, we give thanks for the freedom we enjoy in this country, made possible through the incredible sacrifices of men and women down through the years on our behalf. We also give thanks to the freedom we have through the words and actions of Jesus Christ. If ever you have doubted God's love for you, just take a long look at the cross. Jesus died in much the same way as he lived. And it is through Christ, that we discover the ultimate expression of God's incredible love, who laid down his life for each and every one of us.  

 

Quote of the Week

 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you.” Joshua 1:9

 The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) and the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.

 

 

Pastor John