Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:36:42 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Apr. 12); BP: I Cor. 15:51-58; RBTTY: Lk. 11:29-54; I Sam. 19-21
April 12 “The Taunt of Triumph”
“O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your
victory?”
I Corinthians 15:55
One day we’ll be able to taunt our foe and the Father will say, “Amen.”
“One-up-man-ship” is one of the favorite pastimes of competition and
pride. By nature, we’re born with an “I’m better than you” attitude. It
matters not whether it’s toys, cars, clothes, computers, houses, sports,
etc.; we’re all prone to pride and its inherent “fruits” of patronizing,
condescension and air of superiority.
Think of it:
A football fan is fanatical about HIS favorite football team. He lives
and breathes their colors, mascot and team members. He’s on Cloud Nine when
they win and down in the dumps when they lose. And, pity anyone who roots
for a “lesser” team and rubs it in when his/her team “accidentally” wins
over the “right/better” team.
The same is true with every other area of life (humming the tune here):
“My house is bigger than your house.” “My boat/car’s faster than your
boat/car.” “My college is better than your college.” “My computer’s better
than your computer.” “My drive’s longer than your drive.” “My church is
better than your church.”
And, the list goes on and on and on.
That’s why we as parents usually try to teach our children that it’s
not nice to taunt one’s opponent. Thankfully, most parents still teach
their children to ignore the bully and walk away from a fight. Oh, how hard
this is—especially when the bully follows you, calling you every name under
the sun!
But, oh, dear Pilgrim, one of these days. . .yes, one of these days. .
.we’re going to be able to stand in Death’s face and say, “Hey, you ugly
demon from hell! Where’s your stinger now? You’ve stung billions of folks
to death down through the years. . .tearing loved ones’ hearts out by their
roots. . .but now your stinger’s been pulled out. How do you feel now, bad
boy? And, by the way, if you haven’t noticed, look at God’s Scoreboard and
see the Final Score: Christians 1, Death 0. Hallelujah!!”
Won’t that be a wonderful Day, Pilgrim—a day of “Justifiable Taunting”?
Amen and amen!
Until then, we must put up with Death’s insidious and torturous ways.
But, we do not need to live in “bondage to fear” of it anymore—not when King
Jesus lives in our heart (Heb. 2:14-15). Glory!! Instead, we can begin
“taunting this terrorist” even now by singing the Pilgrim’s Battle Cry
(“Victory In Jesus”) and doing all we can to snatch others from hell’s
gaping mouth by winning them to Christ.
May the Holy Spirit help us even this day to “fight the good fight” by
wrestling the devil, not flesh-and-blood. May He strengthen us to “run the
good race” by being faithful and enjoining others to run too. And, may we
“keep the faith” when others are giving in to doubt and despair. Remember:
“The Battle is the Lord’s” (II Chron. 20:15) and victory is assured.
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