“REED” This
Life Is Short
This past Sunday was a beautiful day. That evening was also nice and enjoyable to be outside. Debbie and I had the opportunity to walk around the Wesley Memorial Gardens. We wanted to see the azaleas and were hoping to catch them blooming at their peak. Unfortunately, we were a little late for peak, but there were still a lot of nice blooms, and even some still in buds. It is so relaxing to slowly walk around those gardens and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation all around. This time of year is especially nice because of the variety of colors that dot the green background of the leaves. However, as I got closer to the blooms that were dying, I could not describe them as pretty. Some of the color was still seen, but the petals were shriveled and traces of brown and black were seen. Several blooms had already fallen to the ground and were losing their prettier colors and getting lost in the brown leaves and shades of gray dirt. Those dying or dead blooms were not enjoyed. One might could describe them as being ugly.
No one likes that part of the life cycle of a flower. We anticipate the budding and anxiously await the opening of the bloom. We love to look at the vibrant colors and markings of the flower and enjoy taking note of all the detail. We take pictures so we can look back and remember it even better than just the memory of it that is in our minds. But then, the time quickly comes when the colors begin to fade. Their vibrancy is no longer there, and the bloom begins to wilt. Soon it will fall off the plant or even be cut off because it isn’t pleasant to even look at anymore. It decomposes and is never seen again. What was once so highly anticipated is quickly cast aside when its time is over and forgotten.
No one enjoys death. Many don’t want to even think about it. Yet, death is a part of life. Like all living things, we too will die one day (Hebrews 9:27). But we don’t have to fear death (John 14:1-3). For the Christian, death is simply passing from this life on earth to our eternal life with Jesus in heaven. In a way, that is when our carefree life begins. No more sorrow. No more pain. No more sin. No more death. We will see Jesus face to face and live forever with our Heavenly Father. And as we have placed our faith and trust in Him, we know we will be with Him there. Jesus said in John 14:1-3, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in My Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am.” Those are the comforting words our Savior shared with His disciples while He was still on this earth. And they apply to us today as well.
The life of a flower is short. Our life is short. Maybe not as short as a few days like a flower’s, but short in light of eternity. While we live this life, we first need to make sure we have believed in and received Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Then, we need to spend the rest of our short life telling others about Jesus. We don’t know how much time we have left.
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:14
Bro. Paul Reed
Tuesday, March 8, 2022