Psalm 49
A riddle for you:
How is Vladimir Putin like a lion?
How is Mike Tyson like a pit bull dog?
How is Lebron James like a giraffe?
How is Frank Perdue like a chicken?
A hint for the answer is found in Psalm 49. But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beast that perishes. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies.
A few summer ago, I received an unusual phone call. It was from a very famous and rich family in Stamford. If I were to tell you the name, you locals would all recognize it. The patriarch of the family had died and the pastor of the church he attended was on vacation. So they needed someone to do the funeral. They must have reached the bottom of the list to call an evangelical pastor! But I never turn down funerals.
I noticed something that day. This man, who was worth millions while he was alive, had been the envy of many people. But no one envied him that day. Now no one wanted to change places with him.
During the funeral service I shared the good news that because of Jesus' death and resurrection we can receive the gift of eternal life. But that day the gospel was not welcomed by the crowd. And so darkness, despair and death overwhelmed the mourners.
As Christians we do not fear death. Death to the believer is like going to sleep, and who is afraid of taking a nap? For the believer, death is like going on a journey. And who's afraid to go on a journey where Jesus is the captain of the ship? For the believer, death is like going home to a great family reunion. And who doesn't like reunions?
So back to the riddle…
How is Vladimir Putin like a lion?
How is Mike Tyson like a pit bull dog?
How is Lebron James like a giraffe?
How is Frank Perdue like a chicken?
The answer is they all die. That's what they have in common. But if Frank Perdue died with no more understanding than a chicken, then he's no better off than any of his chickens.
Because of Jesus and his Easter victory we know that after death there is life, after the darkness there is day. That totally changes our perspective. It gives you wisdom, understanding and eternal hope.
No comments:
Post a Comment