Traveler’s Tip #327 – The road home is the longest, the last hour is the hardest, and the light in your living room window is the brightest star in the sky.Hello, fellow pilgrims. I’m happy to say with the porch light at my little farmhouse acting as North Star I’ve docked safely at Planet Storm and dropped sails for a couple weeks. The sun is shining today and the air smells like cut grass and sky. I’m going to rest for a minute.
Not so around the world, I’m afraid. The smoke is thick out there. Buildings burning in Baltimore, Nepal shaking itself to the ground, nation rising against nation, warning shots across the bow… Damascus on the verge, Israel a cup of trembling, Russia rattling its sword… Oh, and the global war on Christians and Jews—the unvarnished truth whether it’s said out loud or not.
And, in the midst of it all, to the delight of many and the indifference of others, the sun may quickly be setting on America’s long season as a world power.
It’s a page-turner, friends… In fact it’s an all-time, international best seller. Hey, just wait till you get to the end.
Yesterday’s Hillary sound bite - “Deep-seated religious beliefs must change.”
Oh well, she’s not the first. It’s been said that God’s word is an anvil that has worn out a lot of hammers. Sure, we can puff out our chests and shake our tiny fists but God is still God and we’re still not. Ha! I love Him!
“Of every earthly plan, that is known to man, He is unconcerned.” – Bob Dylan.
Translation—God’s not up there biting His nails and checking His blood pressure, amigos.
A conversation with Jesus plays through my brain pan:
“What about Hillary?” I ask.
“What about her?”
“She’s irritating.”
He laughs and says, “You’re irritating.”
I can’t argue with that. “Could you at least take her down a few pegs?”
He shrugs. “And while she was yet a sinner I gave my life for her, just like you.”
“Yeah, but…”
“But what?”
“You don’t worry about everything going on?”
“Um… No.”
“I could do without the sarcasm.”
“I’m sure you could.”
“Just one peg?”
“Turn off talk radio, kid. Love wins.”
So I have an idea (actually, I’m pretty sure it’s His idea). I stop whining and pray. I ask God to get old Hill in a half nelson of grace and peace and take her to the mat. Pin her with the love that has no end till every time she steps up to the microphone the only word on her lips is a resounding, joy-filled Jesus. That would be fun to see, wouldn’t it? To sing with Hillary in Heaven?
Note—Westboro Baptist, tele-evangelists, and Jesus-for-Profiters please put your fingers in your ears...
Yeah, the press is bad, but hang in there you Christians! Sure, you are hated, but so was He. Real love can be offensive. Jesus told us it would be this way. But I’ve met you all over the world, even across the brick and barbwire denominational lines. I’ve broken bread with you, slept in your homes, and laughed with you. You’re certainly not perfect but you’re lovely people. You’re the first to feed the hungry or to give a cup of cold water. You’re the first to give to those who have nothing, even if you suffer for it. I’ve watched your generosity bring smiles to the faces of the broken in every forgotten corner of the world. I’ve seen you love one race without prejudice—Adam’s race. God’s love, through you, has been no respecter of persons. You are responsible for the vast majority of good and loving works around the planet.
Listen, the night is far spent, the hour is at hand, and the beginning is near. Cling to that armor of light till your fingers bleed. Hold on to what is good. Be encouraged! You’re not alone and you never will be. Oh, the indescribable glory of the Yesterday, Today and Forever God. You are His and that knows no end.
One day soon you will know Him even as you are known.
Believe me, He won’t leave you hanging…
And it’s not cheating to read the last chapter. Love wins!
Fair winds,
Buck