LIFE IS A GIFT

Life is a truly a precious gift from God! If we look back to the creation story found in Genesis, God is the one who created our lives. In Genesis 2:7 we read, “The LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” God breathed life into humankind. The realization of this precious truth is so vital to our comprehension of the reason God has placed us here on this earth. The prophet Jeremiah adds in chapter 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Set apart for what? He sets us apart for the unique life God has called you and I to live. No two lives are identical and no journeys the same.

God brought us into the world through the miracle of childbirth from our Mother’s womb. The Psalmist tells us in chapter 139:13-14, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  We celebrate Mom’s in the month of May for the role they play in the family. I recognize that there are exceptions, but for the majority, our mothers have nurtured and raised us. Therefore it is important that we pause and take time to show our honor, respect and love toward mom. Hopefully more often than just one day a year? I imagine most of us do.

I am so thankful that God placed me in the home of a loving and godly mother who poured a life of devotion into her children. I am thankful that she is still living and I treasure the opportunities I have to talk with her daily. If you are able, celebrate your mom in this coming month. If your mom has already passed, take time to thank God and remember her with fondness. If you are a mom, we celebrate you and thank you for all you have done to share God’s love with your children.

God gave us life, our mother’s nurtured that life and as we reach an age of maturity we set out to carve our own path in this world often still seeking the advice of Mom. I believe you would agree with me that the path was much harder over the course of the last 15 months. I know one of the things that have made this past year difficult is the feeling that the restrictions of Covid-19 have “robbed” us of life. We missed out on opportunities to be physically present with other people. We weren’t able to celebrate important dates and milestones. We were confined to our homes for school and work. Even our physical church services were suspended at times.  Many of us probably cried out, “this isn’t fair, I deserve better than this.”

My prayer is that our recent circumstances have caused us to reflect and consider the precious gift of life we have been given. Perhaps we recognize more now than ever that life can be taken away from us in a moment. Maybe today you go about your daily schedule with a better appreciation for life itself. I know I do.

A very significant verse regarding life is found in the Gospel of John 10:10, “The thief (Satan)  comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Yes Pastor, you don’t have to remind me of Satan’s game plan. I have experienced it all to well in recent months. Perhaps we are too quick to focus on the negative aspects of daily living. That is after all a basic characteristic of a pessimistic worldview. To look at the glass as half-empty. Let us focus on the second half of the verse in John. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and live it to the full.” The Greek translation helps us understand what Jesus is saying even better for it reads not just “full” but a superabundance of life.

Jesus has come and offered his life as a way to give us full abundant life. His gift through the cross will give us beyond what we think we need or desire. He will take care of our every need. He is the connector to our Heavenly Father and the everlasting life God promises. Every once in a while It is good to be reminded that life is a gift wouldn’t you agree?

Let us appreciate and live the life God has given us in full devotion,

Pastor Kevin