Baby/Parent Dedication
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me... Psalm 23.4
Yesterday we left a man hanging, literally! You'll remember the story. It was not your ordinary Sunday afternoon drive home from church!
As we (myself, my wife and a van load of kids) headed back to the scene of the crime in progress I was trying to justify putting my passengers in jeopardy. Immediately in front of me I noticed that a car with a couple of big burley guys had also made the quick U-turn. I hoped that they were those "Angels unawares" that Hebrews talks about, those angels who come to the rescue during ugly situations. They weren't, or at best they were hesitant angels if angels at all. They actually looked more like "Hell's Angels" as I think about it!
Anyway, I pulled over and quickly exited the van to notice that on my approach the two "thumping thugs" had high-tailed it. They'd hopped on a bike and split the scene. The beaten man had staggered to his feet and was crying, "I can't go after those guys! I want to go after those guys!"
This guy looked strangely familiar. Despite his bloodied head, face, T shirt and his glazed eyes, I recognized this guy!
[Flash back]
September 20, 2009, a young couple stands in front of our small congregation with their newborn baby boy. It was Faith's first baby dedication. The man and woman were both new to the faith. We had talked to them about the meaning of dedicating their little one to the Lord sharing that in fact this event was more of a "Parent Dedication" than a baby dedication. This couple, to date, had experienced a tragic life in many different ways. However, this afternoon they both agreed that they were ready to take this solemn vow. Both stated that they wanted to raise their little one into a new life and in "The Way of Jesus Christ."
[Flash forward]
Just over six month later here I stood looking into the drunken and bloodied eyes of that very man! These six months had revealed his heart. There had been no saving faith change in his life. He had indeed chosen a path but it wasn't God's it was his own. His path had lead to drink, drugs, fighting and tragedy and at this very moment he was bloodied and helpless.
Where does your path find you today? Were there great plans to become something for the Savior. Were there vows that have never been fulfilled? I have always said that until death comes there is always a chance to change ones ways. However, I have discovered that the Bible says differently. One example is in Genesis 6.3 where God says, "My spirit shall not always strive with man..." There is a limit to God's patience. Don't test it! He places a limit on our waywardness. The difficulty comes as we try and stretch the limits of His grace and tread into darkness without becoming damaged. I believe that it was Bob Jones Sr. who once said, "Sin will always take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you plan to stay, and cost you more than you ever thought you'd pay." Please dear friend heed those wise words today and turn from your mutiny.
I'll finish my story tomorrow.
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