THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

December 18, 2024

LIFE IN THE FOLD

I read something recently that made me think (this is paraphrased): It is people who made the difference in our lives. It's not achievements, regardless of how rewarding those may be. It's not careers, however necessary earning a living is. It's certainly not fame. What does it matter if people know our name, yet never really know who we are? When we whittle our life down to the essentials, to the most important moments, when we imagine the last few moments of life and look back in retrospect, it is the people who matter most.

There are times when it's easy to become focused on material possessions, careers, finances, etc. But really, those things don't define who we are as a person. If what we accomplished or owned is all that people think about after we're gone, then we failed to fulfill our God-given mission on earth.

When someone wins an award and gives an acceptance speech, most generally they thank the people who was essential on their journey that led up to that moment in time. They thank God, their spouse, family, friends, co-workers, their fans, and/or those who helped them succeed. They don't thank their bank account, paycheck, home, vehicle, or other things that they may own; but they thank the people in their life who have made a difference and walked alongside them.

When someone is dying they typically don't mourn that they will no longer be able to spend or make money, or that they won't get to buy things or live in their home, that they won't be able to work and meet deadlines, etc (at least the people that I know!). They want their family by their side and want to say their goodbyes to the people in their life whom they love and cherish. It's the separation from their loved ones and the thought of no longer being on earth to enjoy life with them and watching the kids or grandkids grow up and having those special moments together is on their heart. It's the people whom they love most or who have impacted their life that matters most.

There are times when we can all be guilty of making those other things our priority. Work and making money and building a career takes up our time. Accumulating things and having that home, vehicle, and possessions that we dream of fills our mind. Then when we are home, we are tired so want to relax in front of the TV; or we're busy taking care of the lawn and house, running errands, and all of those other details that need to be seen to. We get distracted from what is truly important; spending time with family and friends, and taking care of ourself. Often, we forget Who is, or should be, the most important to us: God! He's kind of an afterthought, after everything and everyone else is taken care of.

Perhaps we would all find ourselves more at peace and contented if we truly loved others that way that Jesus desires us to love. If we made people our priority and put them ahead of our own selfish desires. If we truly fulfilled Jesus' commandment to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength; and to love our neighbor (others) as ourself. He said that there is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31)

There is a simple phrase in the story of the birth of Jesus that I like. This is found in Luke chapter two. Angels appeared to the shepherds, who then hurried to find Mary and Joseph, so that they could see this newborn baby. They then went and spread the story of the angelic visit and what the angels had said to them about Jesus. Everyone was astonished.

Verse 19 says, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Another version says that, "Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often."

I believe that every single event that happened throughout the life of Jesus, as He grew from a newborn baby into adulthood, was treasured in Mary's heart and she thought about them, meditated on them, often. When Jesus was hanging on the cross and Mary stood there watching Him die, I believe that her mind replayed all of those things that she had stored up over the years that led up to this moment in time.

Mary may have remembered that moment when she gave birth to Jesus and held Him in her arms for the first time. She remembered the visit from the shepherds and later the wisemen that came to see her baby boy. She remembered the years that she and Joseph lived in Egypt, in order to protect Jesus from King Herod. She remembered His first word and what it was like when He took His first steps. She remembered when Jesus was 12 and they found Him teaching in the temple. Her mind replayed that moment at the wedding when Jesus performed His first miracle and turned water into wine. All of those memories and moments that she had treasured in her heart over the years played in her mind, as she watched Jesus suffering and dying.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He wasn't thinking of all of His earthly accomplishments and all of the miracles that He had performed. He wasn't angry at those who had crucified Him or those who yelled for Barabbas to be released and Him to die. I believe that what was on His mind during those last final moments was people. Jesus was God, in human flesh. I somehow believe that in those last moments He saw every single person who had ever been born since Adam, up to that final baby that would ever be born on earth before the world comes to and end and eternity for all mankind begins. He saw their need for a Savior and thought of them with love. Through Him, their sins were nailed to the cross and the ultimate sacrifice was made. He came to earth entirely due to people. He came out of His great love for every single person who had ever or would ever be born. He came to die for their sins. He made a way for people to be reconciled to the Father. And through His gift to the world, we all have the choice to repent, be forgiven of our sins, and spend eternity in heaven!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

Almost everyone we spend time with has an impact on us. And we have an impact on them. It might be very small, but it can also be important. Typically, that means one of us is a good influence while the other is a bad influence back. But it can also mean we are both good influences or bad influences.

We can't choose how others will try to impact or influence us, but we can choose whether we will allow that influence to take root.

It might sound great to always surround ourselves with people who will be good influences on ourselves. That could make for an easier, simpler life. But if we only associate with people who are good for us, we will end up pretty lonely before long. We can't expect many people to be good for us all the time. But we can ignore others when needed.

And we can choose what kind of influence we are. Even when entire groups are trying to bring each other down, looking for the worst in the world, we can provide a good influence by changing the subject, simply smiling, or (and I like doing this one, even if I rarely think of it) say something like, "Hmm... but I wonder if..." and walk away.

ON THE MENEWE:

Granny Schwyhart's Fudge

Put evaporated milk and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes. Stir constantly to keep from scorching after 4-1/2 minutes. In a large bowl put all other ingredients. Pour boiling mixture over ingredients in bowl. Stir until glossy. Pour into buttered dish.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

I found this from 2017 and thought that it was a really good reminder:

This past Sunday (December 2017) our pastor issued a challenge to our church that I am going to pass on to you: As christians we have been brought out of darkness into the marvelous light of Jesus. This week pray that God will show you someone to whom you can give the gift of light. That will mean something different for us all, but the Holy Spirit will show us each who needs to be the recipient and what the gift is that we can share. In the Christmas carol 'Little Drummer Boy', he pondered what gift he could offer, and he used the talent that had been given to him; playing his drum. We have each been given a gift, talent, and ability. Pray that God will use you to help and encourage someone who is in darkness and needing the gift of light.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Vanity causes us to LOOK at a mirror to see the reflection of self.

Humility causes us to BE the mirror to show the reflection of Christ. - Luke Lang

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org