Cross thought: Christian ideas seen in Sudanese every day life.
“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him”, 2 Corinthians 5:8-9.
A little time back this pictured town was peaceful and people gave a friendly wave as the river taxi motored passed. Today, after military fighting hammered its destructive course through, on several occasions, I wonder what it looks like now?
When we are challenged by ‘out of our hands’ events which are much bigger than us, as Christians we must try to remember there is a 'Bigger Hand' in ultimate control. Our real home is in heaven. That home cannot be set on fire, it cannot be shot through, it cannot be bulldozed to the ground or in any way demolished, stolen and lost. The holding Hand has been pierced by a crudely forged nail, John 10:28-29; John 20:20.
Our text says this proper perspective will give us “courage”, that is the inner strength to keep going in spite of every difficulty life throws at us. Our heavenly home is like an anchor point. As the large or small river boats are tied up to stop the currents carrying them away, so our Christian faith gives us a security – not in the things of this world, but in our Heavenly Father who forever cares, and our Saviour who has confirmed our place is ready made in heaven.
If Father wants us to go to heaven soon, all well and good. We must live ready to die at any time. Sin we have committed can be forgiven by the blood of Jesus, when we confess it, thus making us fit to enter that perfect place in God’s visible presence,
1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
If Father wants us to stay a while longer here on earth, that’s well and good too! In our progressing Christian discipleship we must learn to live in the way that most pleases Him,
see 2 Corinthians 5:9 above. As we take pleasure in this so God gets more pleasure from us. And Father God so much blesses any life that pleases Him. It doesn’t mean there are no difficulties, no hard times, no suffering. It does mean we have enough strength and resources to live for today, outworking His will His way, in His time.
Think about this: what more do we actually need on the way to our real home? Aim high!
August 2015.
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