I heard a sermon last Sunday that got me thinking about a lot of things. One of the things that I have appreciated about freedom in Christ is enjoying the good things of God’s creation. Common Grace, some call it.
The beauty of a sunrise
The joy and ecstasy of sharing love with your spouse
The taste of really good food (and a bottle of Rust En Vrede 94 Estate blend!)
Being with good friends and enjoying their company
Traveling and experiencing other cultures
Watching your kids grow and learn
All good things, everyone would say. But then, after a good talk w/ an old friend, he reminded me of an old biblical term that the apostles and early church said often:
“Maranatha!” “Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!”
And then I started thinking: I don’t want Christ to come quickly. I like my sunsets, my good food and wine, the travel experiences, watching my kids grow up, even the un abashed joy and physical nirvana of making love with my only love. I like these things, they are good; but, they are temporal. My heart was convicted again that I love the world, even the good things of the world, just a little too much.
So my prayer is two fold:
1. Jesus, forgive me for loving the world more than You. I long for your return when You will make all things right once again! Maranatha!!!
2. What would You have me do?
I’m still trying to figure out #2. Thanks for your prayers.