Thursday, June 06, 2002

 

Dear family:

 

During times of hardship and suffering people have a tendency to think and even say, "Why did God do this?"  This is normal, particularly when the things that happen are things we have little or no control over or when there is no other explanation for them.

 

In Hebrews there are some passages that shed some light on this question. Beginning in Hebrews 2:1 and continuing through 2:15 some of the special things about Christ are outlined as follows:

 

a. Ruler over the world to come

b. Lower than the angles

c. Crowned with glory and honor

d. Tasted death for all mankind

e. Has power over the creation

f. Captain of salvation through His suffering

g. He sanctifies believers and calls them brethren

h. Became man

i. Died as a man

j. Conquered death

 

In the last sentence of the 14th verse is an answer to one of our questions (that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil). You see, God doesn't do it - Satan, who is real, does it to further his own cause. Satan is not an evil force necessarily, he just gives man the power to carry out their own desires. He wants man to be disobedient to God. So anything he can do to cause someone to be put in a position to be less than what God asks them to be, the more likely Satan's cause is served.  When we understand this and look to Christ for help, the bad situation set up by Satan is changed to good by Christ.

 

Someone once said there is a reason for everything that happens.  Although that is true, it is not true in the sense that it is usually said. We look back on things much like we do decisions and say this or that was the reason something happened.  No. We create a result of what happens either for good or for bad, and then look back and label the result. The bottom line is, there is no reason necessarily for suffering and/or death.  What really counts is the way in which the loved ones of those affected by that death or suffering are changed by it.

 

Some examples come to mind: Will those who survive and remain be a stronger witness for God as a result? Will the family come closer together or will they blame one another? Will they cause additional hurt to the individual family members?  Will the person facing death make the most of every minute he or she has or waste them with self-pity?  Will we all look back at all the fun loving experiences we have had over the years together or will we remember only all the bad? Will we look to find all the good in those around us or look only for all the things that make them different?  Will we say I'm good and you're bad?  You and I may differ politically, but does that mean you're right and I'm wrong or vice versa? No, it just makes us different. There are a lot of things that I like that you probably don't, but does that make either of us weird?  No, just different. Most people say I drink my coffee too strong, I say they drink theirs too weak. We are all different. Not wrong, not bad, just different.

 

I think that the hardest thing in the world to do is to get a young person to be themselves rather than trying to be "little me" or "little you."  I love Tim (my youngest son) just the way he is but it is so hard to get him to believe me when I say "this is what I think, but you are the one who has to live with your decision not me, you are the one who knows how you really feel or what you want to accomplish." I hate to see Charlie (my oldest son) trying to do all the things he thinks people expect him to do or want him to do rather than doing what he wants to.  I like to hear him play the guitar and sing, but he has never made me a tape. Why? He probably thinks that I expect him to be like you, or me, or someone else. But I don't, I want him to be the best Charlie Thomas in the world because he is the only one.  Just like you are the only you and I am the only me.

 

Have I ever done anything I wished I hadn't? Only today, yesterday and the day before. Is there anything I would like to change? Sure. Will I? Not likely. We are all diamonds in the rough and God is the only gem master who can make us shine.  I might have a different opinion than anyone else has, but it's just my opinion. So what will the result be from me, you and the others as a result of the hardship and death we encounter? Will we be stronger or weaker? God wants us to be stronger and use our experiences to help others get through similar situations.

 

HEB 2:12  Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;  15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

 

What wonderful news.  To know that He overcame death and the author of death so we don't have to live in fear of death. We do not have to be defeated by death. Here is the answer. He suffered and is able to be a helper and comforter to those who die as well as those who remain. We can choose to mourn the loss of our loved ones or we can choose to celebrate their life and the wonderful memories they gave us while knowing death is not the final chapter.  We are victorious even in death. It is only when we lose our earthly body that we are transformed forever and all is perfect as it was in the garden. Then we walk in the cool of the day with our Creator forever and that ain't bad.   

 

COL 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

2TI 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

 

Be of good cheer and thank God for the love and memories he has given you through all those you have loved.

 

Dad, Dad2, Mr. T. & Chuck

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