Preparation for a rough time ahead usually involves receiving different input. I’m smart enough (I think) to know that the better physical shape I’m in, the better the chance of recovering quickly, so I’m walking quite a bit and getting this old body in tune. Susan knows emotional preparation is important, so we’re getting away a couple of days this weekend to celebrate 28 years of marriage. Doctors have prescribed a rather intense chemo regimen to keep the cancer as low as possible before transplant, so twice a week, two out of three weeks, I get infusions at the doctor’s office. But the Holy Spirit gives the best advice…
We were at my parents over Memorial Day weekend and these words from Paul leapt from the page and I’ve been pondering them ever since. “… that I may gain Christ and be found in him…” “Be found in Jesus” – that’s the counsel from above. Sunday we discussed this amongst a community of believers. Different thoughts emerged as I proposed that this message was not for me alone. “What does ‘being found in Christ’ involve?” I love my son. Few would call him a scholar, but his insights typically bring simple understanding. Taylor said, “You know you guys can often find me on the lake fishing or on the volleyball court playing.” His mom interjected, “Or in the classroom, we hope…” “Oh yes, you’ll find me in class,” Taylor said, “but those other places are where I’d rather be found.” The meaning is clear: you can often be found where you want to be. So where do you like to be? The cool thing is I have often found myself very close to Christ while I’m fishing with my son or while I’m working with my family at day camp or when I’m with my wife on a date. There is an intentional aspect to being ‘found in Christ,’ though. Taylor is not found on a lake early Saturday morning unless he prepared the night before. I don’t have the energy to do all the stuff he does to catch a fish… but I pray I have the energy to be found in Christ. If I am lazy or deceived by different priorities or consumed with fleeting matters… I am stupid.
For in Christ I have everything I need to go through the valley of the shadow of death. He removes the fear; he gives the peace that passes all understanding; he gives the strength for the day; and he even gives joy in the journey. And beyond the blessings I receive, there is the grand promise that God produces lasting fruit in those that abide in the Son. Pretty amazing…
People have gone though difficult times lately. Some forecasters say things are getting better and there is reason to hope. These forecasts usually pertain little to what God is doing. He does not fret when economies crumble or wars break out or oceans roar. In fact, he tells us to expect everything to shake until only the unshakable remains. The ‘unshakable’ things can only be found in Christ – the goal of the journey. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5