Figurative language involves analogies, like Jesus’
parables, and may exaggerate the story. Exaggeration is not something that we
consider a speaking trait of Jesus. He always told the truth—no lies or big
stories. He taught people using parables about things like sheep, coins and
houses—and even families, sons and fathers. God the Father is blessed to have
such a devoted, obedient, honest and loving son—Jesus. The Father loved the
disciples…and us, because we love Jesus.
A lot of kids learn to sing “Jesus Loves Me” when they are
like three or four years old. Some of the words to the song centers on “ME” but
the song is really about Jesus—and His strength. My sister and I sang this song
together when we were children—we liked to sing. She had almost perfect pitch
and could sing so beautifully—like an angel. One of the last times we were
together we sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and she harmonized, singing alto. Twenty-three
years ago today she died tragically…and now I imagine that she is singing at
the very throne of Jesus—or will be when He gathers us all together for a feast
with Him in Heaven. A feast that you can be at too, if you love Jesus as your
Lord and Savior. I’m saying that literally, not figuratively—no exaggeration.
You choose if you want to be in Heaven, by choosing Jesus as your Savior. My
sister chose to love Jesus and to honor Him as Savior. No wings or harp for her…those
are figurative things people think about when they talk about heaven. Those
things are for angels, which are totally different created beings than humans.
I hope to see you in Heaven, too—I’ll be the one singing there with my sister,
Shirley. You can tell us apart—I’m a little taller.
The day Shirley was killed, her new husband, Bob, and her
two daughters, Vicki and Anne, were also killed, along with her ex-husband,
Ron. Domestic violence is a heart wrenching issue—and in some cases fatal and
final. Twenty-three years later I’m still feeling the loss of this family. A
few years after this incident a Jewish friend of mine asked me why I was sad,
since as a Christian I should be happy that they are with Jesus. Why am I sad? For Twenty-three years I
have missed (been cheated out of) Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of
July, birthdays, sunny days…every day celebrations with them. Shirley and I were planning
to grow old gracefully—together. I miss the fact that I didn’t get to go to her
daughters’ high school and college graduations, weddings, or to hold their
newborn babies—I won’t get to share in the joys and sorrows of their lives—they
aren’t living. This sharing of our
lives isn’t just about me…it’s about family. Families are supposed to share all
those joys and sorrows, holidays, birthdays…and every days. We have a void in
our family that can’t be filled—that is what death does. It leaves a void. Why am I sad? I’m just selfish I guess. My life is about "me."
I wanted more out of life…more time to spend with those I love. Although I’ll
see them again in Heaven our relationship here on earth has ended and there is
that void. So I give Jesus this void—this loss. That is all I can do. And then I can sing and ...remember.
Time is precious—people and relationships are precious. May
we all value what we have…and enjoy it to the fullest while we are here. Family
and friends—know that I love you—more than my heart can hold.
Dear Jesus—Thank you
for loving us…my sister, me and our family. We praise You for who You are and always will
be—King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Shalom Shabbat
© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard
Bible (NASB).
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