We sorrow at the passing of our dear sister, Mary Bernice Fields. It reminds us of how we are to face troubles, sorrow, darkness, sickness, death and loss.
Mary has no more problems, because she trusted in the promises of Jesus, for He stated very clearly that whoever trusts in Him will have eternal life! It is astounding when we review the categorical nature of Christ's solemn promises to us, especially as they are recorded in the Gospel of John. He promised He wouldn't lose a single one of us, but would most assuredly raise us every one up in the last day! He promised that we would never perish because nobody could ever pluck us from His hands!
How astounding such promises must have been to the people of Jesus' day. Implicit in Christ's promises are His power to forgive sin, for death is the due punishment of sin.
But He is God's Lamb sent to be a sacrifice for sin. Because of His sacrifice in our place, He has the right and power to give eternal life to all who trust in Him.
Mary has no more problems. We who are left are the ones with all the problems - sorrow at the loss of a friend, but also the fears and sicknesses and blackness that engages each of us at times.
Isaiah exhorted God's people, who find themselves in blackness, to trust in God and wait on Him. The context of that exhortation is precious: it is the experience of Christ facing His death for us.
He wouldn't turn back, and defied His enemies unto death, because He knew that He would not be ashamed, but rather joy was set before Him!
We are to follow the example of Christ no matter how black things may be, because we have a sure promise that, in the end, our Lord Jesus will save us! |
#20 - Top Played Sermon (48-Hours) on 4/19/2015
