RESCUED FROM THE JUNK YARD

RESCUED FROM THE JUNK YARD
Some valuable cars have come back to life after being spotted in a junk yard. In their “day” they weren’t necessarily the best being built but there was something very attractive about their lines. I have a grandson-in-law that wants to rebuild one he found that looks like it should have stayed in the yard. He can see past the rust and missing parts to where it can be restored to where it will be very valuable to a collector.

If honest we must admit we too are like that old car. We came into the world nice and shiny being praised by everyone who saw us as a “keeper”. Boat captains have grown fond of that term since all the new fishing rules demand that we return most of our catch back to the gulf. But when we were born we were God’s gift to mankind. We had arrived with built in values like gifts, abilities and talents unique as our fingerprints. God can be considered our “Manufacturer“. Actually He is for the Bible tells us He knitted us together in the womb. I bet most folks don’t know that. If you think about it for a second you will begin to think more highly of Him. All our moms and dads provided was the “raw” material and then God continued creation His favorite thing to do.

We all have a special mission while here and if we are raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord we are more apt to accomplish it. Lots of kids aren’t for some don’t know who their father might be for he is never there. Sometimes mom makes a huge mistake in trusting a man who deserts her when she finds the Lord is at work in her womb. Those who have their child, not aborting it, will be rewarded for the right choice. Some of their offspring end up as outstanding citizens and wealthy too. The vast majority say the first thing they’re going to do is buy their mom a house. I love these folks and God does too.

Of course not all will turn out this way but in God’s economy the rest are just as valuable to Him. He has ways to prove it and they center around the Gospel message. Jesus is the Savior of the world and there isn’t anyone else who can present us to the Father on Judgment Day. Many others are members of religions that are hostile to God’s plan. Some are so hostile they want to kill all the Jews and Christians and will one day bring a horrible time to our planet. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know this for it’s on the TV newscasts almost daily.

These folks have a God and it isn’t our Heavenly Father but the One whom Jesus called a liar, thief, murderer and accuser of the brothers. Satan is the god of this world and he never sleeps. I can only speak for myself and must admit he led me to do some really bad things in the first part of my life. I’m one the Bible mentions when it says, “Those who have been forgiven much, love much.” You see I was very much like the car Sean wants to rebuild. I’m not sure he ever will but I can say God has done a number on me, Bless Him. I’m so thankful He is still at work for there are still some attitudes within this flesh that won’t fly in Heaven.

The good thing about our God, the Lord Jesus, is He is the Master Rebuilder. He has no problem in remaking us into His image for He has kept all the blueprints in His mind. He has loved us from before the very beginning of creation. In His foresight and planning we have been part of a grand scheme to become part of an eternal family. Glory to God!

You may or may not feel as I do and the reason could be your lack of time spent at the cross. On a day planned by His Father Jesus lay down and allowed Roman soldiers to nail him to a cross with hateful spikes. These weren’t little nails but cruel pieces of iron forged to kill humans. The wounds were large and bloody. The Blood that flowed from Jesus was used by the Father to wash those of us who would confess our sins, repenting of them with remorse. It was very difficult for God to see His Son Jesus hang there with a mock crown made of long thorns. To see the spit and grime on His Body along with many bruises from slaps and blows from the fists of His tormentors. At one point God even turned His Face away as our sins were heaped upon Him. Yes, mine and yours were added to the heap.

What few seem to preach is the horrible beating Jesus bore for us with the scourge so we could be healed as we place our trust in them. The stripes on Him remind us of His love when we are hurting. He is so Good.

If we accept Him and His sacrifice in our behalf God will choose us for restoration with a brand new motor too, The Holy Spirit. Become born again today and let Him remake you into one of His favorites.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


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