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FUMBLE!!

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When I was in high school, there was an interesting character at most of our football games. I don't know who he was and, as far as I know, he had no ties to anyone there. Nevertheless, he would walk up and down the sidelines yelling “FUMBLE”, and the funny thing is that he said it all the time. It did not seem to matter if we were on offense or defense. I can't explain what was going on with him, but I do know that he was yelling the wrong thing at least half of the time. Maybe it was some type of strategy or maybe he didn't understand the game.

This time of year we sing a lot of songs or speak a lot of phrases such as “peace on earth” or “joy”. These are true biblical statements that are a blessing to know and say. I have at times thought about these as well as other hymns or creeds we recite. Sometimes the timing may seem wrong or not applicable to those in need or hurting. Sometimes I feel out of touch with these sayings, almost hypocritical. At any given time, we know of someone in our church or community that is hurting. As I write this, I know of several people fighting for their life due to illness, a couple of people who have lost employment, and some who are fighting depression. How can we sing about peace and joy at times like this when others are hurting?

This past week in Sunday school, I was reminded of the extreme importance of being in God’s Word consistently and intentionally. (1 Timothy 3:16-17) It's in His word that we learn about our sin and his mercy and love towards us. It's in His word that we can be refreshed that this life is not forever, but life with Christ is eternal. The Bible is full of accounts of suffering Christians, but it also is full of the redemptive work of Christ, restoring our relationship with God. This is the “joy” and “peace” of the season. When we sing and say these things without having the biblical foundation behind them, we are like the guy yelling fumble when his team is on offense. We say the terminology, but we miss the blessing of knowing what it means. Joy and peace on earth do not mean an easy street for us as believers. There are many hurting that would testify to this. It’s in these times that we need Gods word as our foundation for expressing joy and/or peace.

Example of Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Goal for our life (Matthew 25:21,23)

May we humbly enjoy this time of year with the knowledge of the gospel that God’s word so clearly presents.

1 Comment

Thank you Corely, such a helpful reminder of what we mean by peace & joy in this broken world! I know from the Word that health and wealth are not promised until we're are on the "next side".

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