Shade Tree Wisdom 4/3/12

          When Moses had finished his final words of blessing, the Bible tells us he went “unto the mountain of Nebo, to top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho”. Deut. 34,1.  From there the Lord showed him the promised land and said, “thou shalt not go over tither”, And there he died and the Lord buried him. Then this report, “Moses was 120 years old when he died, his eyes were not dim, nor his natural force abated”. V,7.

          That marks the end of an event filled life, a life lived with a purpose, under God’s guidance and direction, and with God’s blessing.

          This is Holy Week in which we contemplate again the life of Jesus Christ.  He came with one goal in mind, to rescue fallen mankind.  And that life ended on Good Friday with this final word, “It Is Finished”. The Job is well and fully done.  St. Peter said, “By His stripes we are healed”, 1 Peter 2,24b.

          And the sermon on Good Friday titled “You need not die twice” tells the story.  Because Jesus lived, and died, and rose again, the second death is not in our future.  Die, yes we will, but to sleep, then live in His presence forevermore.

          I thank God for this gift, mine as a gift, the faith planted in Holy Baptism, growing and strengthening through the years and reminded again that it is true by this Holy Week.

GPD 4/3/12