“With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” James 4:33-34
When I was a little boy I recall laying with my dad and looking up at the sky and asking him questions about what Heaven would be like. My dad would patiently describe streets of gold, no pain, running, playing, laughing, singing, spending time with Jesus, while mixing in Bible verses that I could understand. He would describe Heaven in ways that a little boy could connect with and in ways that would cause me to want to be a part of that community.
I love the parables that Jesus taught in James 4. Today while reading it struck me that I desperately want to be a part of the circle that is ‘explained everything.’ I want to be granted access to the Son of the Father in ways too marvelous to comprehend and so easily accessible when I surrender my mind and open my heart. I want to fall into his arms and feel true love, true safety, true joy, true grace, true mercy, truth.
As I walked outside last night, listening to the sounds of the coming Spring here in East TN, I was struck by the beauty that caused my eyes to brighten even in the dark of night. Expectant eyes and ears. Eyes seeing a full moon and sky filled with stars. Ears hearing tree frogs calling and dutifully announcing ‘Spring is coming soon.’ The ground, the trees, the wind, the sky proclaiming that new life will be springing forth in the coming days and weeks. Spring, beautiful Spring. Life.
I want to live a life with eyes bright and focused on all that God has planned for me. I want to announce loudly and with beautiful truth that Jesus has come and eternal life is available and here. I want to be a bright light in a World shrouded in darkness, disguised as truth, leading too many good men and women to eternal damnation that is Hell. I recently heard a definition of Hell as ‘the permanent separation from God and hope.” As I pondered that, my heart broke at the thought and my commitment grew to share the bright hope that is life surrendered and invaded by Jesus’ light and life.
As I stare my 60th birthday in the face, I am struck by how incredible quickly age 30 became 60. I am encouraged by the purposes that God is revealing in my life. I am convinced that retirement is not a part of God’s plan for me. Only next. I want to reflect eyes radiant and bright in the knowledge and hope that is Jesus Christ. I pray that God chooses to use me more and beyond my own limited abilities. I so desperately hope that he allows me to sit closer to him and understand the truths that only he can explain. I pray that my eyes reflect the truth that can only be found through his son, Jesus.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
Join me in accepting the life and purposes that God has specifically for you. They are marvelous and desperately needed. Your contribution matters to those being placed in your path.
You’ve got this.