Ponderings after Easter (May 2019)

#1) Russell Brand, English actor, comedian, and the ex-husband of the American Idol judge Katy Perry, authored the book Recovery: Freedom from our Addictions. In the forward of the book he states, “My qualifications for writing this book is not that I am better than you; it’s that I am worse. I am an addict-addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, money, love and fame.”

In his discussion of the twelve -step programs of Alcohol and Narcotic Anonymous, he pushes God aside- while simultaneously he seeks God.

That’s a familiar story isn’t it? In scripture we find the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, aggressively pursuing the destruction of Christianity. The thought of this Messiah Jesus who claimed to be God, and who forgave sins was blasphemous. Pushing aside the law for grace, pushed Saul over the top. He was violent to the church of Christ, and led persecution hit squads against those that believed. In the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8) he applauded and celebrated his death. All along he pushed the one true living God aside, but at the very same time it was this very God he sought.

In 1 Timothy 1:15-16 Paul, now transformed by Christ, reaffirms that “Jesus came into the world to save sinners-and I am the worst of them all.” However, my qualifications for writing these words is not that I am better than you, because I was an excellent sinner, but because of Christ I am now free and forgiven.

The Easter high is over, Jesus is still alive, and still you find yourself in sin or being tempted to sin. Remember because of Christ you can boldly say: “I am now free and forgiven.”

#2) Recently, in the state of New York a law was passed removing all legal protection of an unborn child. “In essence, the legislation would allow a woman to abort her child at any point during pregnancy, as long as the doctor determines that the death of the child is in the best interest of the ‘mother’s health,’ which is a broad term that could mean her physical, emotional, psychological or financial health. Basically, this is an abortion on demand at any point during pregnancy.” (Focus on the Family)

When the law was passed, many celebrated and cheered. A further celebration was seen when the Governor of the state directed that numerous landmarks be lit up around the city in honor of this achievement. I can not get the words, “they celebrated and cheered” out of my head.

This is what I Know: There are things prior to Christ that we applauded, celebrated and cheered. However, in our encounter with the living God we now celebrate, and cheer to the beat of a different drummer. (Psalm 139)

May we continue to pray without ceasing.

Blessings,

Pastor Rich Edwards