For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ~ Titus 2:11
If the prophet Isaiah who said, “All we like sheep have gone astray” had known my dog, he might have written, “All we like Molly have gone astray!”
You don’t want to know how many times this minister has chased his dog down the street, tossing un-minister-like warnings! She’s definitely known to wander!
Last week we thought it was for good. I went to the animal shelter. I didn’t find her there. But I had the urge to fill my car with barking, tail-wagging dogs. As much as I wanted to save the dogs, I wanted to stay married even more!
But the urge helps me understand why Jesus made forgiveness his big announcement. Paul told Titus, “Salvation’s available for everyone! Tell them!”
By the way, Molly turned up in a neighbor’s backyard. Turns out she wasn’t as far from home as we feared.
Neither are you!
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Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
There’s a story of a man on an African safari deep in the jungle. The guide assigned to him had a machete and was whacking away the tall weeds and thick underbrush.
The traveler, tired and hot, and a bit frustrated said, “Where are we? Do you know where you’re taking me? Where’s the path?”
The seasoned guide stopped—looked back at the man and said, “I am the path!”
We ask the same questions, don’t we? We ask God, “Where are you taking me? Where’s the path?”
And he, like the guide, doesn’t tell us. Oh he may give us a hint or two, but that’s all.
If he did, would we understand? Would we comprehend? No, like the traveler, we’re unacquainted with this jungle.
Jesus gives us a far greater gift. He says, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
He gives us himself!
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