Luke 1:68-79
Malachi 4:1-6
Luke 9:1-6
"I have spoken of these matters in
figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you
plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I
will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly
because you love me and believe that I came from God. Yes, I came from the
Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the
Father." Then his disciples said, "At last you are speaking plainly
and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there's
no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God."
Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? John 16:25-31
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 loves 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 beautifully, singing
alto. Twenty-nine 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. We choose if we want to be in Heaven, by choosing
Jesus as our 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.
 |
| Shirley & Bob with Anne and Vicki |
The day Shirley was killed, her new husband, Bob, and her
two daughters, Vicki and Anne, were also killed, by her ex-husband, Ron,
who took his own life after taking theirs. Domestic violence is a heart wrenching issue—and in some
cases fatal and final. Twenty-nine 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-nine 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
day. 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
the 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.
Prayer ~ 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.
Daily Bible Reading:
Romans 4-7
Only
17 Days Until Christmas
© 2018 photo and
text by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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