Wantin’ takes too much time. I’d rather be working.”
–Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove)
“For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.”
–Matthew 16:27(NKJV)
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I came across information about the hymn below. In World War II, U.S. pilots would sing this song together before striking out on bombing missions over Germany. It was also sung over the graveside of many soldiers and airmen who, while on mission, crossed over into heaven. The fulfilled their duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.”
–Katharina von Schlegel
There are very few sermons about the “blessed hope” coming from our pulpits today. I think that interesting when with all of the “junk” that is happening in the world and in this country that there wouldn’t be more sermons about the coming of the Lord and His taking us home to glory.
I go back and read the first two and a half chapters of Romans. My mercy, isn’t that where we are living today? “Professing to be wise, they became fools.” (1:22, NKJV) Listen to some of them when they open their mouths. How much foolishness can one person spew? Because of the mockery of God and scorning Him, He “gave them up to uncleanness in the lusts of their hearts…” (1:24, NKJV)
Because of the times in which we live, how much more should we be hearing–“Look up!” Instead of trying to make those in the church feel good by fellowship, harmony, tickle-your-ears sermons, there should be messages saying, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28, NKJV) We should be comforting one another with these words. In other words, we should be living in the thought of the “blessed hope”.
Take time and read Romans 3:9-18 and see if it doesn’t make you cringe, for it is the very thing we are seeing in the streets of America and even in the halls of government from the local level to the highest. When people say that a chicken sandwich makes them feel threatened, well, not only are we living in perilous times, but in foolish times as well. Watch out for the fool, for they are extremely dangerous.
However, in the midst of all of this, rejoice–the Lord is with you. Though changes come your way, and they could come in many forms, the Lord is right there beside you. “Be still my soul,” – don’t sweat the small stuff. Live one day at a time in the blessed hope.