If You Believe . . .

Yes, Mike Wheeler is on my mind. His witness continues to be spoken among extended family and friends. His testimony was recorded some time ago, played during his funeral, and will be shared as we receive requests. How many Christians can say that people are being centered on God after a funeral?

Mike did make these two statements, and believed. Genesis 1:1 introduces us to our Creator, and John 1:1 adds a description:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 KJV)

I like what the Pulpit Commentary had to say about this first verse as John began his writing of God’s good news:

At length the moment arrived when the "Son of Thunder," who saw all the glory of the risen Lord, all the majesty of his triumphant reign, uttered these opening words . . .

If believing Genesis 1:1 introduces us to God, John 1:1 introduces us to His plan of salvation, and the following verses continue in that vein:

The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (John 1:2-4 KJV)

Though human, Jesus was not new. His message was not new, either. Mankind was made for fellowship with God. Even though man broke that fellowship, God plan include a path back to that fellowship, and that path is obedience.

Not a blind obedience, but a companionship obedience. Jesus explained that it was an exchange of burdens, not additional ones:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)

Charles P. Jones paraphrased this, publishing one of my favorite hymns in 1908, Come Unto Me:

Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed,
“Oh, ye heavy-laden, come to Me and rest;
Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear,
Bring Me every burden, bring Me every care.”

Refrain:
Come unto Me, I will give you rest;
Take My yoke upon you, hear Me and be blest;
I am meek and lowly, come and trust My might;
Come, My yoke is easy, and My burden’s light.

God’s intentions came much earlier than Matthew’s words. Here’s what Micah wrote:

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:7-8 KJV)

Believe. Such a simple word, but some will not even discuss, much less believe. If you cannot believe, please be able to explain to yourself why you do not, and what can happen if you are wrong.