Hank Williams sang that we can’t get out of this world alive. And, I guess some people may not. Maybe they get so caught up in the here and now that they forget that there is a future. Maybe they try so hard to blend in with the world that they just become a part of it. For what ever their reasons, some people have just decided they can’t get out of this world a live. But as for me I have decided to get out of this world alive.
In His “Sermon on the Mount” Jesus gave the keys to getting out of this world alive. He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). Jesus has pronounced a blessing on those of us who are “Poor in spirit.” This don’t mean you can go out and get rid of all your money and goods and this blessing will be put on you, no more than it means one who has money or other forms of wealth will be excluded. Being poor in spirit is a condition we all need to strive for. It is a condition where we realize that spiritually we are nothing without God. Without Christ we are dead spiritually and so far as the future goes dead in the next life too. We have to come to a realization that there is nothing we can do spiritually without Christ. And when we come to the place where we understand that is our condition we will be blessed. How do we know that? Because, Jesus said so.
And how will we be blessed? Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). We are blessed in that the Kingdom of Heaven is ours. That is a blessing that is in the here and now. It is a blessing in the present tense. At this very point the Kingdom is ours. But, the Kingdom of Heaven also carries with it the promise of the after life. For those of us who have recognized our spiritual poverty we have the Kingdom of Heaven now and when Christ returns to take us all home to the Kingdom future.
So maybe you want to choose and go the path of not getting out of this world alive. I decided long ago that without Christ I am spiritually bankrupt. I may have tons of money and maybe high priced property, yet without Christ I have nothing. So while you may choose to not get out of this world alive, I choose to be a part of the Kingdom present and the Kingdom future! Hope to see you there.
Around the world of Blogdom tonight:
Trey Morgan looks at forgiveness
John Dobbs has Saturday on the coast
Tim Archer has a discussion on the identity of Jesus
And everybody go by and wish Matt Dabbs a Happy Birthday! Happy birthday Matt. I know this is a few days early but I wanted to be the first
In a few weeks I will be looking at starting a new work; All prayers are accepted. Also, keep my brother John Dobbs in prayer as he transitions into a new work. Love you John and we are praying for you.
Until Next time May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You: All Y’all!
Bobby
Bobby Cohoon
North Carolina, USA
cohoon@embarqmail.com
bobbycohoon