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On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. Revelation 22:2-3
The steak looked incredible. It had been grilled over real charcoal, smoked with hickory and cooked to perfection. Next to it was a glass of ruby red wine the colors dancing in the light. I was famished. This was going to be so good. I cut the first piece, lifted it to my mouth, the anticipation almost too much to bear, and took a bite. Something was wrong. I took another bite. Still wrong. I went for the glass of wine. Something was wrong with it as well!! A strange phenomenon had somehow robbed the steak and the wine of 80% of their flavor. It was if the world had gone pale or faded.
As you’ve probably guessed there was nothing wrong with the world but with me. A terrible cold had stolen away the flavors and much of my satisfaction at the dinner table. How dull eating would be if this was permanent!
Hasn’t sin done the same to us and our satisfaction in life? We think that marriage should satisfy but somehow it doesn’t quite live up to what we expected. Being a mom should make our lives so rich and yet still there is a bit of emptiness, something off about it. Serving the Lord and his people what greater privilege and yet sometimes it tastes flat. And you guessed it. The real problem is not work or marriage but me!
Life was meant to be enjoyed in the perfect connection with God. In perfect holiness every pleasure and job would have given more than expected because it was from Him and in service and praise to Him. And it is becoming that way again! Jesus rose from the dead. Sin has been defeated, death given notice and we a new lease on life! The restoration of all things has begun! Someday life will taste even better than it looks and we long for that day. But even now the Holy Spirit is changing us, transforming our lives, allowing us to taste thanksgiving and contentment in the pleasures and even the pains of life. Sometimes he even gives us things we don’t like because in the end we’ll acquire a taste and appreciation we never thought possible.
So if life doesn’t always taste as it should don’t let it get you down. Just remember, Colds Are Not Forever!
Ask the Lord
Heavenly Father, I look forward to the taste and joy of heaven. Help me to serve you in this world with joy, and acquire the contentment and pleasure your Holy Spirit gives.
Pastor Joe Johnson
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