Ocean Donuts, Rudderlessness and Evangelism
It’s been more than a month since I’ve posted, but I am hoping that I will be more consistent moving forward. I took my last group of visitors to the airport yesterday. We’ve been blessed to have 9 different overnight guests in 2024, not counting a fun couple visits from our college boys. This last group, a foursome consisting of friends and family from Michigan, was blessed with the best weather imaginable, and I think I am a pretty good tour guide (maybe hotel concierge was my true calling). One day we were out at the beach when fisherman on shore were having a blast catching pompano. They were reeling them in one after another until a fisherman in a boat got into some distanced altercation with an older couple on shore. The dispute led to the boater yelling and doing donuts in his boat. Presumably the purpose was to abruptly end the success of the older couple on shore. What an odd thing to behold.
But if you don’t know where you came from, where you are going, and what the meaning of life truly is, little things can easily be given outsized importance. The guy in the boat appeared rudderless — catching a few pompano was worth acting out in a way that looked absurd and childish to all observers. Yet, I am sure that even though I know where I came from, where I am going and that my chief end is truly to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, that I have moments that are equally shameful. Fortunately, as a believer, I am privileged to enjoy the comfort of 1 John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Do you have a regular time of confession, either at church or privately? Ideally, we will all have both. What a beautiful thing to know that through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are perpetually offered a clean slate if we will just own up to our transgressions.
The solar eclipse tomorrow is being hyped to a concerning degree. The total eclipse from just a few years ago did not have this vibe. But post-2020 is a new era. We may have surmised that fear could control the masses, but now we know. I have never felt it more important to tell others about the peace of Jesus, the hope of Jesus, and the forgiveness He offers. Do you too feel compelled to evangelize?
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15-16a
Digging Deeper:
Is there something you need to confess today?
Who needs to hear about the hope that you have? Are you mindful to be gentle and respectful with those who are searching for answers?
Where do you see fear being used to control the masses?