(L)The...
Illustration
(L)
The ability of my friend Bill to live fully, happily, and confidently never ceases to inspire me. Hope of his living a long time is gone now. He's called benevolent, and "elderly." He's had his three score years and ten, plus a few. Nevertheless, with head held high, Bill still charms the ladies, walks tall and commands respect with a smile, even from children. The stroke makes him limp, and he admits, "I'm not pounding anymore nails!" But when he admits it, it sounds more like a victory statement than a confession of weakness. In a word, he reflects the confidence of Isaiah in our lesson for today. Despite the present and the short term outlook, he greatly rejoices in his Lord, who is ABSOLUTELY GOOD, no matter what happens.
The popular song says it: "Plant a turnip, get a turnip, happens every time."
The theologian says it: "A bad tree cannot bear good fruit."
Isaiah 61:11 says it: "The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth ..."
Bill says it, even on rainy days: "Isn't this a great day!"
All four agree, despite the gloomy pessimists around us: There is an absolute, and he is God. You can depend upon him being good and glorious. (Isaiah 62:2) You are a crown of beauty in his hand. (Isaiah 62:3)
- Bansemer
The ability of my friend Bill to live fully, happily, and confidently never ceases to inspire me. Hope of his living a long time is gone now. He's called benevolent, and "elderly." He's had his three score years and ten, plus a few. Nevertheless, with head held high, Bill still charms the ladies, walks tall and commands respect with a smile, even from children. The stroke makes him limp, and he admits, "I'm not pounding anymore nails!" But when he admits it, it sounds more like a victory statement than a confession of weakness. In a word, he reflects the confidence of Isaiah in our lesson for today. Despite the present and the short term outlook, he greatly rejoices in his Lord, who is ABSOLUTELY GOOD, no matter what happens.
The popular song says it: "Plant a turnip, get a turnip, happens every time."
The theologian says it: "A bad tree cannot bear good fruit."
Isaiah 61:11 says it: "The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth ..."
Bill says it, even on rainy days: "Isn't this a great day!"
All four agree, despite the gloomy pessimists around us: There is an absolute, and he is God. You can depend upon him being good and glorious. (Isaiah 62:2) You are a crown of beauty in his hand. (Isaiah 62:3)
- Bansemer
