the diabolical d'oh!

Imagine the devil's reaction when the stone began to move roll away from the entrance to the tomb! D'oh!

Death is an enemy. This is especially evident when it comes suddenly, to people who least expect or deserve it. When this happens, I find Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 especially comforting.

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is what stirs me: death may be the enemy, but for the believer, death also guarantees the ultimate victory.

When a saint dies, there is grief. There can be many questions, many of which will never be answered. But we can take comfort in this: the devil doesn't rejoice; God has won yet another victory. D'oh!

Finding Truth in Traffic

While driving my kids to school this morning I had one of those encounters we all have from time to time. I was turning into a flow of traffic on a busy road. I felt there was an appropriate distance between me and the oncoming car; and that taking into account their speed, I should have been able to slot in causing little or no inconvenience. The oncoming driver felt differently. He (or she - I couldn't see clearly) immediately accelerated right up to my tail, applied the horn and by hand signals and their general driving demeanor made their feelings very clear!

I resisted the temptation of communicating with my finger, and instead waved in a friendly manner; considered and rejected the option of slowing right down (just to help them chill out a little, you understand); and offered what I am sure was an uplifting and loving comment to my kids about the other driver's character!

But here's the thing: I felt grieved inside. Why? I don't know the other driver. We do not have a relationship. No harm was done. So why should I feel as though something , somehow, isn't right? Could it be because even such a seemingly inconsequential encounter offends the God-created need for healthy, life-giving relationship? Deep inside we all have a desire to get along with people; to be in unity; to live in peace. After all, we are created in the image of God, who himself is grieved by a profound breakdown in his relationship with humanity!

So, instead of being offended by the other driver's actions toward me; perhaps I should allow this simple example of relationship gone wrong to draw out God's love - maybe I should pray for them! In fact, I think I will.

Oh, and maybe I should be a little more careful when I pull out into traffic! (I'm not admitting that I was in any way in the wrong, you understand!)

May you feel God's love stirring in you today.