Retirement

So did you hear the story about the guy who worked his butt off his whole life in view of a fat and sassy retirement? Well, he reached his goal. He'd been successfully feeding into his 401K for 30 years, had a pension coming upon retirement - life was GOOD! He was dreaming about the retirement party the next day...and the upcoming deep sea fishing trip with his buddies that started the following Monday. Wow! Finally, he thought! Here's what I've been waiting for.

That night he died.

Jesus called him a "fool." You can actually read his story (in the 1st century context) in Luke 12:15-21.

Lot's of us dream of happier days for the future. We long for more money and greater ease. We'd settle for peace and security...know what I mean?!

Jesus teaches us that there is another way. Peter picks up on this truth in the second letter that bears his name in 1:2-4. He teaches that through knowing Jesus we can have abundance of what really matters: GRACE & PEACE. He goes on to show that through knowing Jesus we have everything we need for life and for pleasing God. What's more? We have the truth of God's promises, that, if we believe and live in them we will have a changed perspective.

Gospel Filtered through Life

I am a sinner; no, I am a SINNER! You may have seen me sin: some careless word, unkind action, expression of pride. That is nothing! It is only the tip of the iceberg. Were you to probe you would be disgusted by the depth of the mountain of my corruption and sin. Were you to ask those from my childhood you would hear tales to make your ears tingle. I mean, what do you need to know? I'll tell you! I am a SINNER!

GOSPEL: Jesus died - and I in union with Him died. My mountain of sin is gone - demolished by the soldiers hammer and nail - by the grace of a Father taking pleasure in the crushing of His Son on my behalf.

GOSPEL: Jesus rose - and I in union with Him live. My past is buried and gone - my future hopeful and sure. I am alive - truly alive - the guilty now pardoned; the hateful and hated now loved and redeemed. Ha! I am set free.

Where is my mountain? Oh, it is yonder hill on which Christ was crucified - it is coming Zion where King Jesus will reign as worshipped Lord and Savior, Master of my soul, Master of every soul.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.