The Greatest Gift

 

“I opened two gifts this morning. They were my eyes.” -  Zig Ziglar

In this day and time, it means a lot to be able to open your eyes every morning and watch each new day dawning. As the whole world is going through the pandemic, during these trying months, unwrapping each day requires great care as the anxious anticipations are awaiting, trying to take over the hopeful expectations. Regardless we are grateful to the Lord God Almighty for each new day, and for His great gift of life itself.

In Luke 12, Jesus spoke of a man who had all the gifts and possessions one could ask for in this earthly life. This man had no financial worries, as he was rich. He was very successful in his career, and his endeavors yielded plentifully. As he ran out of rooms to store all the goods, he had to expand his facilities. He had a great abundance to save up for the future. He was ready and prepared to face any kind of lockdown or quarantine that could possibly happen. Also, he had good health to eat, drink and be merry, and take his ease and enjoy everyday. But from the text, we understand that the only thing he lacked was that his eyes weren’t open to see beyond this earthly life.

Jesus states a very thought provoking question that, what will happen if his life on earth comes to an end that day. Everything he had will become lost and meaningless for him. There was nothing wrong with this man being very successful, but the problem was that his vision was only limited to this life. Jesus encourages us to see beyond this world into eternity. In fact, He provided a way for us to do that. As He came into this world, as a babe lying in the manger, God’s love and mercy were revealed in the priceless gift that was ever given to mankind. By His death on the cross and His resurrection, the greatest redemption work was carried out, so that we may have eternal life. Just simply believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we can freely receive the gift of everlasting life. 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:23‬

Opening gifts is fun and interesting. It brings an element of surprise and excitement. The gift of life is beautiful, but it is even more desirable and essential to accept the gift of eternal life. I pray that our eyes will remain open to this gift of eternal life that’s freely given by the Heavenly Father. May your life be filled with overflowing joy and gladness as you unwrap this greatest gift that is lasting and eternal. May God bless you!

Divine Peace

When we think of the word, “peace”, many pictures can come into our mind. It can be a picture of calmness, serenity, restfulness or tranquility. There is a story that talks about peace:

“Long time ago there was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, reflecting a peaceful towering mountain around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the king looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest, resting in perfect peace. Which picture do you think won the prize?

The king chose the second picture. “Because,” explained the king, “peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.” 

The Bible talks about a kind of peace which “surpasses all understanding”. It’s the kind of peace only God can give!

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

In the midst of all that is happening around us, in the middle of the uncertainties and chaos, it’s natural to feel restless, troubled and anxious. In the midst of all the storms, we would definitely need this supernatural peace to keep us intact.

The only way for us to receive this peace is to come to the Lord Jesus Christ who Himself is the Prince of Peace. He is the perfect embodiment of peace. He is our peace and the peace that He gives is beyond our comprehension. That peace is strong enough to guard our hearts and minds.

May all your days be filled with that kind of supernatural peace as you lift your eyes up to Him everyday. May God bless you!

Lost and Found

Have you ever lost something and wanted to get it back so badly? Well, most of us can relate to that. Whether it is a small thing or big, if we lose something that’s important to us, we all desire to have it restored. And if we ever are able to find it, we would be exhilarated. It’s not just true about material things but also applicable for other scenarios. Getting back on track after losing the way or getting restored to a relationship that was thought to be lost or even finding oneself back after feeling lost in life situations, all bring a tremendous amount of joy.

It’s interesting to learn the three lost and found scenarios described in Luke chapter 15.

The first example is of a sheep that was lost accidently by the shepherd. The loss was negligible as it was only one among a hundred. However, to the shepherd it was very significant that he took a high risk in leaving the ninety nine behind in the wilderness to search for the one that was lost.

Next is a woman who lost one coin out of ten coins she possessed. She also didn’t want to leave it behind. The loss occurred probably by her own carelessness or lack of diligence, however upon realizing her loss she went out after it, lit a lamp, swept the house, and searched carefully until she found it. 

Third, we see one son among two who got lost from the house by him purposely leaving his father to live a prodigal life. However, his father didn’t write him off, but rather waited for him to come back. When he finally came back, the father wholly accepted him back even at the risk of offending his older son who stayed with him all along.

Jesus used these parables to explain that regardless of how the loss has happened, whether by accident, or by lack of diligence or by purposely walking away, there is still hope. The only thing the lost sheep could do was to cry out until the shepherd comes. The woman who lost the coin prevailed by her persistence and diligence.  Our loving Heavenly Father has His arms stretched out to receive the repentant ones who are turning to Him. 

Of all the losses, the ultimate loss is the loss of your soul. The Bible says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). 

The heart-captivating eternal love of the Father assumes great value to the lost.  You are significant enough to be put back together as a great price has already been paid for you at the cross of Jesus. Hence don’t wait for another day, as “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” ‭‭(II Corinthians‬ ‭6:2‬b.). May He put back together the lost pieces in your life as you call out, seek and come home to Him, God bless you!