Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned.

Not exactly the way I wanted to start my day.  How does that famous saying go…the two things in life that can’t be avoided – DEATH and taxes.  Do you fear death?  When I was much younger – still in a grade school – my teacher posed that question to us in our religion class – do you fear death?  I still remember my answer – I’m not sure that is has changed today.  I am still enjoying everything that God has given me here on earth; I’m not sure I’m ready to give that up quite yet.  But as I said, just like taxes, we will have to face death whether we are ready for it or not.

So maybe the question shouldn’t be – do you fear death but are you ready for death?  Whether you fear it or not, you should always be prepared for it.  We do not know the day or the hour but don’t let it come to you like a thief in the night.  i believe we are told that in scriptures.  Today’s readings also prep us for death…and I believe it is nothing to be afraid of as long as I am prepared.

My opening quote was kinda like what a tele-evangelist would do to you on TV.  Scare you with only a portion of what is being told to us in the Bible.  Yes, it does say that we are all sinners and death will come to all men inasmuch as we are sinners.  But if we read on, we are taught this…

If by that one person’s transgression the many died,
how much more did the grace of God
and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ
overflow for the many.

For if, by the transgression of the one,
death came to reign through that one,
how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace
and the gift of justification
come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ.

I sin, Jesus Saves.  You sin, Jesus Saves.  What is the common theme here?  I believe there are two…we are sinners being the first; Jesus Saves being the foremost.  I must accept that I am a sinner and in accepting that, I must then humble myself before my God and Savior and ask for His forgiveness.  It is through that act of humbleness on my part and God’s everlasting love to forgive me on His part that I will be saved.  I believe that is the will of our God, to be humble and obedient; to do His will on earth and forever be thankful for this act in heaven.  So, here I am Lord, I come to do Your will…

Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin offerings you sought not;
then said I, “Behold I come.”

May all who seek you
exult and be glad in you,
And may those who love your salvation
say ever, “The LORD be glorified.”

So do something great for our Lord today…Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid, just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.

He must increase; I must decrease.

But you, man of God, pursue righteousness,
devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.