May 30, 2015

The Shepherd's Corner

THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

The Scriptures tell us, “Man proposes; God disposes.” Yes, we can only make plans—or, proposals—but it is God who will have the last say. Last week I had to lay in bed and miss church. Something simple like lifting up my suitcase and stowing it in the car could cause a back problem. How fragile my big body is!THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

The Scriptures tell us, “Man proposes; God disposes.” Yes, we can only make plans—or, proposals—but it is God who will have the last say. Last week I had to lay in bed and miss church. Something simple like lifting up my suitcase and stowing it in the car could cause a back problem. How fragile my big body is!

But, it is not only our body; life is also fragile! Last Sunday morning I received a text from Swan Ien, Tante Wydia’s daughter, that her mom had been admitted to hospital. She has pneumonia. A couple of days ago she was discharged but immediately transferred to a nursing facility for recovery. When I visited her, she was sound-asleep with a breathing aid. She looked peaceful but weaker.

Life is fragile, that is why we ought to handle it with care. Certainly physical care is a top priority but more importantly is spiritual care. This morning when I was having my quiet time, the words of Jesus to the disciples the night before He was arrested, leaped from the page into my heart, “You do not realize now what I am doing but later you will understand.” (John 13:7)

In less than 24 hours after He had made that statement, Jesus Our Lord walked to the cross and died. The world as the disciples knew it changed in a split second and for a time being they lost both hope and understanding. That is why Jesus had to reassure them: “later you will understand.” Not now, but later.

We don’t always understand what God is doing but He promises, later we shall understand. What we need to keep is faith in Him, “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Pastor Paul

But, it is not only our body; life is also fragile! Last Sunday morning I received a text from Swan Ien, Tante Wydia’s daughter, that her mom had been admitted to hospital. She has pneumonia. A couple of days ago she was discharged but immediately transferred to a nursing facility for recovery. When I visited her, she was sound-asleep with a breathing aid. She looked peaceful but weaker.

Life is fragile, that is why we ought to handle it with care. Certainly physical care is a top priority but more importantly is spiritual care. This morning when I was having my quiet time, the words of Jesus to the disciples the night before He was arrested, leaped from the page into my heart, “You do not realize now what I am doing but later you will understand.” (John 13:7)

In less than 24 hours after He had made that statement, Jesus Our Lord walked to the cross and died. The world as the disciples knew it changed in a split second and for a time being they lost both hope and understanding. That is why Jesus had to reassure them: “later you will understand.” Not now, but later.

We don’t always understand what God is doing but He promises, later we shall understand. What we need to keep is faith in Him, “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Pastor Paul

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