Did anybody happen to notice this week the picture God painted for us as we
watched the events of the day unfold on every news station around the
world? The portrait of three men’s lives shown clearly through the events
of their deaths. One a wise man, one a foolish man and one a wicked man.
These men captured the world’s attention by their lives and their deaths.
Their funerals spoke volumes about the course of life they had chosen to
pursue with the few short years God had granted to them.
All three men, President Ford, James Brown and Saddam Hussein had choices in
their destiny. Today they have all three stood in front of the God of this
universe with those choices unveiled and judged. God allowed us to see three
men yesterday.
President Gerald Ford, a man whose faith in God and service to his country
was eulogized by many speakers during the solemn and dignified ceremonies
which marked his passing. A man of character and integrity, not perfect but
made righteous by his faith in Jesus Christ. It was in this righteousness
he lived out his life as a servant to his fellowman and his country. Great
men and dignitaries attended his funeral, all coming to pay respect and
honor to a man most deserving.
James Brown also was eulogized in a funeral ceremony befitting his life
choices. There was blaring rock music, gyrating bodies, costumes, and great
sensual displays of revelry to portray the contribution this man had given
through his life to his fellowman. He lived a life of drugs, alcohol,
immorality and rock music. He was heralded the father of Rap music and the
inspiration of Michael Jackson’s greatness. His funeral with all of its
theatrics was befitting the excess of waste his life portrayed.
Then we had the gruesome hanging of Saddam Hussein. His death was as gory
as his life. A brutal murderer and dictator hung by his neck and secreted
away in the middle of the night to an unmarked grave. Thousands of Iraqis
celebrated his death for through his life he had brought untold misery and
death to many. A man so wicked that it seemed the world breathed a
collective sigh of relief at the pronouncement of his death.
Three men who left their mark on the entire world. All three have now stood
before their Creator to answer for the choices they made in their life as
you and I will someday.
There is only one choice and Gerald Ford’s life exemplifies the nobility of
choosing to walk in harmony with The Creator through the acceptance of Jesus
Christ as his Redeemer.
James Brown chose to walk in the flesh. His life’s work glorified the flesh
and his death magnified the flesh.
Saddam Hussein chose evil. He was a narcissistic megalomaniac. His life
glorified evil and his death was gruesome.
This all played out in one day. God painted a great picture for mankind to
see. I pray people got His message.
[forwarded from Montana; original source unknown]
~~
Dr Bob Griffin, www.grif.net
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given