Dr H Reflections

Last words

Last words

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34

John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished!”

Luke 23:46 Jesus shouted, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!” And having said this, he breathed his last.

In the profound moments of approaching life’s end, people’s last words often resonate with deep emotional significance. These expressions reveal core human desires and needs that transcend time and circumstance, capturing the essence of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the need for emotional closure.

People who know they’re dying often express some variation of one of those four themes – indicating that they waited until it was late to show their appreciation for others or right their interpersonal wrongs (Siddhartha Mukherjee, Oncologist). The four most common phrases uttered on their deathbeds are:

I want to tell you that I love you.

I want to tell you that I forgive you.

Would you tell me that you love me?

Would you give me your forgiveness?

What is the significance of these phrases?

“I want to tell you that I love you” is a phrase that shows the basic human need to express love. As life comes to an end, the need to communicate affection becomes very important.

“I want to tell you that I forgive you” reflects the human desire for peace and resolution. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that frees both the giver and the receiver from the burdens of past grievances. When someone forgives in their final words, it shows an act of release and reconciliation, opening the way for emotional healing.

“Would you tell me that you love me?” shows a deep desire for affirmation and reassurance. In someone’s final moments, seeking love from others is a profound way of seeking validation and connection. This question reveals vulnerability and the basic human need for acceptance and belonging.

“Would you give me your forgiveness?” is a request for redemption and reconciliation. It acknowledges past wrongs and seeks to mend broken relationships. This request emphasizes the importance of closure and the desire to make amends before departing.

They are a testament to the enduring nature of human relationships and the timeless quest for inner peace and connection at life’s end. Mukherjee explained, “They indicate that they harbored grudges, lived with unresolved guilt, or spent years being too afraid to be vulnerable.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 32:1 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven; whose sin is covered!

Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die for me and provide redemption. Thank You for adopting me into Your Forever Family, showering me with love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

INSIGHT

The last words of the Lord Jesus Christ were quite different from those of fallen people facing the end of their lives. The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to die for the sins of the world in order that we may be forgiven. The Lord Jesus Christ did not require anyone to forgive Him because He had sinned against no one. His forgiveness of others transcended mere one-on-one interactions. The forgiveness he offered was total and complete for all who accept

He was concerned that the Father in heaven would forgive people. He was totally selfless, altruistic, and other-centered.

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

This plea for forgiveness demonstrates the grace, compassion, and mercy He offered all people, even those who were crucifying Him. It highlights His mission to provide forgiveness and reconciliation. He did not need to be forgiven because He was without sin.

Luke 23:46 Jesus shouted, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!” And having said this, he breathed his last.

The very last words of Christ express trust and surrender and convey His unique and eternal oneness with the Father. It reflects His obedience and willingness to lay down His life, entrusting His spirit to God the Father.

John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished!”

He completed all the work that God had sent Him to do, including bearing the penalty for sins. Jesus proclaims that all the work the Father had sent him to accomplish is now completed, particularly His work of bearing the penalty for sins. This means there is no more penalty left to be paid for sins. His mission is finished, and sins have been paid for in full.

In 33 AD, when Jesus Christ died on the cross, every sin we would commit had not yet occurred because we would not be born for more than 1900 years. In a fantastic transaction conceived and engineered by the Father, all sins, past and future, were grouped into comprehensive lists. Paul refers to it as a certificate of debt. Jesus paid for all of our sins before we even committed them, once and for all.

Colossians 2:13-14

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

14 by canceling the certificate of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

The Greek word translated as the certificate of debt or record of debt is cheirographon, which literally means “made with hands.” It comes from cheir, meaning hand, and poieo, meaning to make. It refers to a handwritten record of debt, a record of indebtedness. Paul uses this term to describe God’s record of charges for breaking His law. In our culture, we would call it the list of charges against us. Each of us has our own list. The Lord Jesus Christ took each of our lists and nailed them all to the cross. When He died, He announced for all time tetelestai, which means “It is finished” or “Paid in full.”

Each child of the King had their entire debt paid in full once and for all.

The last words of the Lord Jesus Christ were uttered on behalf of all humanity. When Christ died, all of our sins were paid for once and for all on the cross. He established a personal account in our names full of forgiveness.

The moment we accept Christ, all of our sins are forgiven. As we go through life, we make withdrawals when we confess.

We actualize the forgiveness in time-space, which is already ours in eternity.

We don’t need to work on being forgiven because Jesus paid the price for all mankind’s sins on the cross. We simply accept His forgiveness (Harry Brewer).

John 3:16-18

16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

“He died upon a cross of wood, yet made the hill on which it stood” (Frederick William Pitt ).

When your expiration date comes, and it is time to go to the Father, what do you suppose your last words will be?

The Maker of the Universe

Poem by Frederick William Pitt (1859-1943)

The maker of the universe, as man for man, was made a curse:

The claims of laws which He had made, unto the uttermost He paid.

His holy fingers made the bough which grew the thorns that crowned His brow:

The nails that pierced His feet were mined in secret places He designed.

He made the forests where there sprung, the tree on which His body hung:

He died upon a cross of wood, yet made the hill on which it stood.

The sky that darkened o’er His head, by Him above the earth was spread:

The sun that hid from Him his face, by His decree was poised in space.

The spear revealing precious blood was tempered in the fires of God:

The grave in which His form was laid, was hewn in rock which He had made.

The throne on which He now appears was His from everlasting years:

But a new glory crowns His brow, and every knee to Him must bow.

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Sentinel chickens ∙∙

Sentinel chickens ∙∙

O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD. – Isaiah 62:6

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

1 Now, concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we do not really need to write to you.

2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.

5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the brain and central nervous system. With a mortality rate of approximately 30%, it poses a significant health risk. Those who survive the infection often face enduring physical or mental challenges. In the summer of 2024, there was a cluster of cases in New Hampshire with one death, 41-year-old Steven Perry. This lethal, incurable disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

What can be done?

Enter Sentinel Chickens.

Not all heroes wear capes – some don’t even wear clothes. Despite the rise of advanced technologies, one of the most effective methods for detecting widespread diseases remains surprisingly simple: Sentinel chickens. Sentinel chickens are an essential ally in disease detection. They play a vital role in monitoring and controlling mosquito-borne illnesses across the country.

Specially designated coops are set up in areas prone to mosquito infestations. Here, the chickens are fed and cared for and go about living “normal” chicken lives while waiting to be bitten by the mosquitos. Regular blood samples are taken from these chickens and tested for viruses like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). A positive test result indicates the presence of virus-carrying mosquitoes in the vicinity. Significantly, chickens do not fall ill from the viruses they contract from the mosquitoes, ensuring their safety. They are not harmed in any way.

Without the sentinel chicken program, assessing virus activity in an area would rely on guesswork, leaving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flying blind without crucial data until human cases emerge. This method provides an invaluable early warning system, helping to protect communities from potential outbreaks.

BTW – Chicken Little did not make the cut – too much imagination.

The Father has countless purposes for keeping His children, the children of the King, in this world. As bearers of light who are grounded in the truths of Scripture, they serve a vital role as sentinels and watchmen. With their heightened spiritual awareness and knowledge of the Scriptures, they often perceive the signs of impending danger before others do, alert to the subtle shifts that signal trouble on the horizon.

As the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Day of Judgment approaches, they remain vigilant, knowing that the Lord will return unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. While those who dwell in darkness will be caught unawares, the children of the light will stand ready, not taken by surprise, but instead eagerly awaiting the Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13).

Titus 2:13 The blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

In their role as children of the light, there is a profound responsibility to remain alert and not be lulled into complacency by false assurances of “peace and safety.” They are called to observe, discern the times, and stay spiritually awake. Their mission is to illuminate the path for others, guiding them towards truth and preparing them for what is to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

By living with this purpose, the children of the King not only protect themselves but also shine a beacon of hope and readiness in a world that often walks in shadows. Their anticipation of the Lord’s return fuels their dedication, inspiring them to fulfill their assignments with unwavering faith and courage.

REFLECT & PRAY

As the anticipated return of our Lord Jesus Christ approaches, the unfolding prophesied signs signal that the time is indeed near. This moment is not one of fear or apprehension but rather a cause for profound joy and celebration. We are called to embrace this time with hearts full of hope and anticipation, trusting in the promises of His glorious arrival.

Father, grant me the grace to remain spiritually alert and deeply aware of the unfolding of Your divine plan. My heart yearns for the return of Your beloved Son, and while I eagerly await His coming.

INSIGHT

When does a thief strike his target? No one knows in advance except, of course, the thief. So it is with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. No one knows the day and the hour of His return. We are to remain vigilant.

As the predicted return of the Lord Jesus Christ draws closer, the signs will indicate that the time is near. Rather than fear and dread, we are to rejoice.

Father, keep me spiritually alert and aware. I long for Your Son’s return, but I ache for those I love who do not know Him.

John 9:4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

In our society today, one out of three people dies from cancer. When a terminal case of cancer is diagnosed, a short period is predicted until the end. When a patient is faced with certain death, how do they react? Some people become discouraged and dismayed. They give up. While others are determined to get things right with the Father and all those they will leave behind.

As the last days of our lives approach, we should dedicate ourselves to serving the Father as much as possible until He takes us home.

1 Chronicles 12:32 The sons of Issachar, men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

This particular group of people understood the signs of the times and knew the best course of action for people to take. So it should be with us.

Isaiah 62:6-7

6 O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD.

7 Give the LORD no rest until he completes his work and makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.

The Father’s watchmen are guardians, like sentries on the city wall. They pray and watch for the fulfillment of the Father’s promises. His sentinels will never be silent and take no rest; they will never give up. They diligently pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

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Gratitude is the key to seeing God ∙

Gratitude is the key to seeing God ∙

The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD! – Job 1:21

Job 1:14-22

14 A messenger arrived at Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them,

15 when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

16 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

17 While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: “Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

18 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home.

19 Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.

21 He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!”

22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.

When dreadful things happen, giving thanks is not natural or normal. How can we develop a habit of gratefulness in grievous times of loss? In her inspiring book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp invites children of the King to embark on a transformative journey of daily reflection, encouraging them to recognize and cherish the manifold blessings bestowed upon them by the Father. Through her eloquent prose, Voskamp urges us to pause and contemplate each day, identifying the myriad of ways the Father’s goodness and generosity manifest in their lives.

These gifts, both monumental and minute, await recognition and appreciation. Voskamp passionately argues that it is the key to seeing God in every situation, even in our most troubling moments. It is through this lens of thankfulness that children of the King are able to see the Father’s hand at work, weaving beauty and grace into the fabric of their daily experiences.

By embracing gratitude, Voskamp asserts, we unlock the profound ability to see God’s light shining through the darkest of times, transforming our perspective and enriching our walk with the Father as we travel His chosen path for us to spiritual maturity.

Job’s life was filled with troubling moments: loss, grief, physical suffering, pain, poor advice, accusations, and self-doubt. Job 1 opens with successive announcements of immense losses. Job lost most of his material possessions and beloved and valued family members. Indeed, his heart-wrenching losses were deep and many.

But rather than focus on the negative, he expresses gratitude and thankfulness. Gratitude and thankfulness are always a choice for the children of the King.

Job’s reaction provides a model for all children of the King. He feels the loss and grieves. But then he does the unexpected. He praises and acknowledges the Father as the giver of all good things. He expresses gratitude. The “unexpected” was his norm. He had developed the habit of genuinely being grateful to the Father for all things, good and bad. He recognizes that the Father has given him everything he lost (Job 1:21).

The practice of gratitude does not erase the magnitude of pain and grief people feel in seasons of loss. As the rest of the book describes, Job questioned and grappled with his grief. However, recognizing the Father’s goodness to us, in even the smallest of ways, – prepares each child of the King to worship before our all-wise and all-powerful Father in the darkest hours of our earthly lives (Kirsten Holmberg).

Job’s response to adversity serves as a profound model for others, illustrating that gratitude and faith can transform our perspective and sustain us, no matter how daunting the trials we face. His story teaches that while pain is inevitable, it is our choice to embrace gratitude or not. Gratitude enables us to see beyond the immediate suffering to the enduring presence and love of the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

Many of us are good at making lists. Have you ever considered making a list of things to be grateful for? Using our ever-growing gratitude list, we can express gratitude to the Father in everyday events. Practicing thankfulness is transformational. Gratitude changes attitude.

Father, You are the Giver of all good things. They come to us from You. Help me to recognize Your kindness and generosity in even the most minor ways and to trust You in seasons of loss and hardship.

INSIGHT

Why? Why? Why?

Why do we often find ourselves asking “Why?” in the midst of suffering? The truth is, we don’t always have the answers. We don’t always know why. When Job suffered, he had no idea what was going on. Sometimes, stating the obvious is worthwhile. The Book of Job had not yet been written when he lived through the events recorded. He had not read it. He lacked the perspective that we have. We now know why such sorrow came into his life and, more importantly, how the book ends: “The primary purpose of Job’s suffering, unknown to him, was that he should stand before men and angels as a trophy of the saving might of God . . .” (Klein).

When tragedy strikes, the children of the King are hurt just as much as anyone else. They grieve, but not “as others who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). “We can worship, even in tragedy, because nothing can separate us from the Father and His love” (Stanley).

Job’s troubles are described as coming from multiple directions. The narrative presents each of the tragedies in rapid succession, giving the reader a feeling detailed well by Job’s later words, “He will not let me catch my breath, but fills me instead with bitter sorrows” (Job 9:18). Job suffers the near-complete destruction of what mattered most in life to him. Yet Job has great confidence. Distraught with grief at the calamities that decimated his family and possessions, Job turns to the Father in lament-laden worship.

In response to his losses, Job exhibits both mourning and faith. He tears his robe and shaves his head in grief, yet he falls to the ground in worship. From this place of lament, he declares, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” In doing so, Job exemplifies living by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) (ESV Notes).

If we only focus on visible things, our perspective on life will be limited. However, there is another way to see. The writer of Hebrews described Moses as someone who persevered as if he could see the invisible (Hebrews 11:27) (Barclay).

Seeing the invisible, or supernatural sight, comes through faith in the One who is Himself invisible. This concept is a paradox. It cannot be validated through scientific experimentation.

Gratitude becomes the lens through which we see the Father, even in the darkest times. Gratitude draws each child of the King closer to Him, offering strength and hope amidst life’s trials.

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Friendly persuasion ∙∙

Friendly persuasion ∙∙

Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. – 2 Corinthians 5:11

John 16:7-11

7 But I tell you the truth, it is best for you that I go away because if I do not, the Helper will not come. If I do go away, then I will send Him to you.

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.

10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.

11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

In the 1980s, there were five significant summit meetings between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. These meetings played a crucial role in reducing Cold War tensions and advancing nuclear disarmament efforts.

During the Moscow Summit from May 29 to June 2, 1988, President Reagan gave Gorbachev a copy of the Hollywood film “Friendly Persuasion.” Reagan suggested that Gorbachev view the film as a portrayal of the necessity and potential for finding an alternative to war in resolving differences between peoples

“Friendly Persuasion” is a 1956 American Civil War drama film produced and directed by William Wyler. The movie revolves around a Quaker family whose non-violent religious beliefs prohibit violence and war.

In the early days of the Civil War, the conflict reached the peaceful family’s home in southern Indiana in 1862. The movie delves into the dilemmas they face. Should they fight despite their commitment to nonviolence? The choice is between protecting themselves or adhering to their religious beliefs and doing nothing.

Gary Cooper portrays the head of the Quaker family. He remains true to his religious convictions. In the process, he must probe his soul. He grapples with the inner conflict between two conflicting principles: protecting his family with violence or living by his Quaker philosophy of nonviolence.

How are our points of view modified and transformed most effectively? Particularly those regarding the truth found in the Word of God.

There is no need to argue with people to try to convince them regarding the truth of the Word of God. Nor does heaping guilt and shame upon them move them to any lasting action. The Word of God is like a lion. You do not have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself (Charles Spurgeon).

People are generally better persuaded by the reasons they have discovered themselves than by those that have come into their minds from others (Blaise Pascal).

Friendly persuasion is employed to allow another person to come to the best conclusion for themselves based on sound reasoning and truth. You gently lead them in the direction they really want to go as truth seekers. Gentle persuasion is empathic, recognizing that the most effective prodding often aligns with the individual’s own aspirations and goals. Rather than using force or pressure, gentle persuasion involves understanding the person’s desires and aspirations and then skillfully steering them toward those ends.

2 Timothy 2:24-26

24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

This method respects the individual’s autonomy. It involves active listening to understand their motivations and using words and actions that resonate with their values. By doing so, the person feels supported rather than manipulated, making them more likely to embrace the direction suggested. This approach is not only more respectful but can also lead to more sustainable and fulfilling outcomes, as the individual is more likely to commit to a path they genuinely want to follow. In essence, it’s about guiding rather than pushing and supporting rather than controlling, which can make all the difference in achieving long-term success.

Each child of the King is to act as a guide and lead others into a knowledge of the truth. The truth will take care of itself. The world is divided into two types of people: the children of light and the children of darkness. Each is revealed through exposure to the Word of God. The living Word of God inserts itself into the minds and hearts of people.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

REFLECT & PRAY

I would rather try to persuade a man to go along because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone (Dwight D. Eisenhower).

Father, teach me the gentle art of friendly persuasion. You promise to gather Your sheep. It is my responsibility to voice Your call. No warfare is required.

INSIGHT

2 Corinthians 5:11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.

Because we know and respect what the Father has said in His Word, we are motivated to persuade people. We share His ways through our lives. We should be different. As we share the truth of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through our words and our conduct, in some mystical way, we exude a peculiar aroma that other people can somehow sense. The fragrance we effuse provokes diametrically opposed responses among people. For some, it can be very alluring; for others, it is quite repulsive.

In New Testament times, a shepherd had a distinctive call that his own sheep knew. When he called his sheep, they would come to him. The truth of the Word of God is like the voice of a shepherd seeking his sheep. The Father’s sheep are only revealed by their affirmative response to His call.

John 10:27-28

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

28 and I give eternal life to them.

Paul used the word picture of incense to illustrate friendly persuasion. He compared the children of the King to incense, spreading the fragrance of the Lord Jesus Christ through their lives and work. We are the aroma of the Lord Jesus Christ. To other believers, we are the fragrance of life, but to unbelievers, we are the fragrance of death. The way we live and work can have a profound impact on the lost world around us, potentially bringing either life or death (Wiersbe).

2 Corinthians 2:14-16

14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now, he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.

15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.

16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?

John 16:8 And He [the Holy Spirit], when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.

The Greek word elegcho, often translated as “convince” or “convict,” encompasses meanings such as expose, reprove, persuade, and bring to light. It involves revealing errors or proving guilt, akin to cross-examining a witness or an opponent until they acknowledge the truth of an argument.

Typically, the Holy Spirit is seen as a defense attorney for believers, but here, He acts as a prosecutor and ADA. Through friendly persuasion, the Holy Spirit reveals reality, guiding people toward objective Truth. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own truth. When the Holy Spirit speaks, His opinion is Truth! He convinces people regarding objective Truth. The Holy Spirit deals with each person individually and focuses on eternal matters of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Convincing is not condemning. A convinced person stands convicted. They often experience guilt or condemnation. It may be spontaneous. But it is not part of the process.

Can a child of the King resist and disregard the work of the Holy Spirit? We have only to search the memories in our hearts, the answer is self-evident.

Hebrews 3:12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart . . ..

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Getting over stupid ∙∙

Getting over stupid ∙∙

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction – Proverbs 12:1

Psalms 19:7-11

7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.

9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.

10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

Released in 1994, the film “Forrest Gump” introduces us to a simple yet extraordinary man from Alabama, with an I.Q. of 75. Despite his limitations, Forrest is guided by the insightful wisdom of his remarkable mother, who equips him to handle life’s challenges with grace.

Possessing an incredible ability to run like the wind, Forrest earns a spot on the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, where he shines as an All-American athlete. His journey continues as he enlists in the Army, finding himself in the thick of the Vietnam War. There, he forges deep friendships with Lieutenant Dan and Bubba. In a heroic display of courage, Forrest saves numerous fellow soldiers during combat, including Lieutenant Dan, which earns him the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor. Through these adventures, Forrest’s simplicity becomes his greatest strength, leading him through an extraordinary life filled with meaningful connections and achievements.

Inspired by Bubba’s dream, Forrest ventures into the shrimping business and is soon joined by Lieutenant Dan. Together, they become quite successful and amass significant wealth, transforming their lives. In addition to his business ventures, Forrest finds solace in running and embarks on epic journeys across the American landscape, followed by a devoted group of admirers who share in his quest for meaning.

Despite his accomplishments, Forrest can’t stop thinking about his childhood sweetheart, Jenny. His heart remains tethered to her, and he welcomes her into his life with unwavering devotion, offering her the stability and care she desperately needs. They marry and have a son, but tragically, Jenny’s life is cut short, leaving Forrest with the bittersweet task of raising their child alone.

Forrest’s life philosophy is encapsulated in the words of his mother, “Stupid is as stupid does.” This phrase became embedded in American culture and carries a more profound truth: being “stupid” is not a permanent condition. One can rise above limitations and transform one’s life by embracing and living out the wisdom found in the Word of God.

Embarking on a do-it-yourself landscaping project is a significant investment of both time and money, yet the rewards can be breathtaking, yielding vibrant results that endure for years. Choosing the right plants and trees is crucial to these endeavors. Some enthusiasts find joy in visiting local nurseries and handpicking flora, while others prefer the convenience of browsing online catalogs, selecting based on enticing images and descriptions.

One particular individual opted for the latter, spotting the perfect palm tree for his garden’s ideal spot. He ordered it, eagerly anticipating its arrival. When the package came, he was immediately puzzled by the words printed on the box: “Some assembly required.” This raised his curiosity. Upon opening it, he found not a living tree but a plastic replica of the palm he’d admired online. Shocked, he couldn’t help but declare, “This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.”

Recognizing our missteps is the first step to overcoming them. Wisdom, as illustrated in Psalms 19, begins with acknowledging our errors. Psalms 19 eloquently opens with a depiction of the heavens, whose silent grandeur speaks volumes without words. Yet, the Father communicates through words found in the Scriptures, offering profound, life-altering wisdom.

Psalms 19:7-9 highlights six synonyms for the law, each underscoring facets of divine guidance: instructions, decrees, commands, reverence, laws, and ordinances. In Jewish tradition, these are encapsulated in the scrolls of “the Law,”“The Torah.” Over time, the term “Law” began to encompass all of God’s revelation found in the entire Scriptures. The Hebrew word Torah means “direction,” “instruction,” or “law.” Torah comes from the Hebrew root word yarah, which means to “point,” “direct,” “throw,” or “cast.” Metaphorically, a teacher yarah (aims) arrows (instruction) to hit the target and achieve specific goals in the students’ lives.

Unlike human-authored textbooks, God’s Word is perfect and timeless. Though human languages change, necessitating new translations of the Scriptures, the Word of God never needs revision or improvement (Wiersbe)

The rewards of engaging with the Father’s truth are not only immense, they are transformative. Psalms 19:7-8 describes this wisdom as reviving the soul, infusing it with life and strength. It grants wisdom to the simple, bringing joy to the heart and illuminating the mind (UBS).

Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

A simple person is often inexperienced, ignorant, and naïve. Lacking common sense, they are easily swayed.

Embracing the Father’s word and guidance not only elevates us but also instills a sense of security and confidence. It turns missteps into growth and insight, guiding us on a path of spiritual development.

The Father God, who created the universe with His almighty power, offers to exercise that same power on our behalf to help us speak and think in a way that honors Him. He wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

In the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, it is vital to pause and contemplate the wonders of the Father’s creation and His written Word.

Father, Your truth is designed to instill wisdom, knowledge, depth, and goodness in the children of the King. Encourage me to immerse myself in Your Word, unlocking its life-giving power to provide guidance and instruction for my life.

INSIGHT

Our heavenly Father provided the Scriptures to reveal His truth, nurture our growth, and correct our missteps. The Word of God serves as the Father’s owner’s manual for the human soul, offering profound guidance.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

The Scriptures serve as a guide to instruct and equip us, ensuring that every child of the King is fully prepared and capable of facing whatever challenges the Father places in their path.

The times in which we live may not improve, but we can become better ambassadors for the Father, no matter how dark and daunting the world seems. The Father continually empowers us to be effective in fulfilling His purpose for our lives.

The Father’s will, as revealed in the wisdom of the Scriptures, is benevolent rather than dictatorial. It is not forced upon us but gently persuasive, encouraging us to choose goodness because it benefits us. His path leads to a life of fullness. Just as food nourishes the body, the Word of God revives the soul. The psalmist found joy in following the Lord’s ways, recognizing them as a source of the Lord’s (Tesh and Zorn).

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