Mendelsson it is said, once visited the cathedral at Fridbourg, and having

heard the great organ, went into the organ loft and asked to be allowed to

play it. The old organist, in jealousy for his instrument, at first refused,

but was afterward prevailed on to allow the great German composer to try the

colossal “thunder” of the cathedral. And after standing by in an ecstasy of

delight and amazement for a few moments, he suddenly laid his hands on the

shoulders of the inspired musician and exclaimed: “Who are you? What is your

name?” “Mendelsson,” replied the player. “And can it be! that I had so

nearly refused to let Mendelsson touch this organ!” How little the Lord’s

people know what they are doing when they refuse to let Christ have full

possession of their entire life and evoke the full melody and harmony of which

it is capable!  (copied)

I just read that the New York Yankees signed pitcher CC Sabathia for 161 millon dollars to a seven year contract. That’s 23 million a year to play a child’s game! How crazy is that?  While our economy collapses, teachers are under-paid, and our veterans struggle to get decent health care, entertainers and athletes are paid exorbitant sums of money to do things that don’t really matter. That ought to tell you why our country is in such a mess. People are able to pay those huge amounts because there is a market for their “services”. That reveals where our values are.

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“The tipping point” is a phrase that has been used for years to describe the point at which things change rapidly and drastically. We’ve all seen it many times and in many ways. We’ve seen it in regards to individuals—a man is pushed to the edge by an antagonist until he suddenly explodes in a rage. We’ve seen it in families—a man or woman has one affair after another until the spouse refuses to take it anymore. We’ve seen it in businesses—little “mom and pop” stores hang on for years until the big chain store finally drives them out of business. We’ve seen it in churches—slowly over the years the membership declines to the point that the congregation can’t pay it’s bills and it disbands. It also happens to nations.

 For several years our country has been tottering on the brink. In a democracy the majority rules and we are rapidly approaching (and may have already passed) the tipping point. And when it happens there will be a deluge of un-Christian things that take place. It will be like the straw that broke the camel’s back–a rapid and complete collaspe. Our enemies will seize the moment and do everything in their power to make this nation what they want it to be—and that’s not a pretty picture!

I’m not saying we should “throw in the towel”–giving up as though there is no hope. We ought to fight for what is right to the very end. But we need to face reality. It’s bad and it’s going to get worse. The good news is that it will also get better. After it gets worse than it has ever been, it will get better than its ever been. The best is yet to come. It’s just a matter of time!The coming of Christ will make all things right.

In the meantime we need to be busy doing what matters most. And we don’t have to wonder what that is. It’s clearly defined for us in Matthew 28:19-20. We dare not let the good crowd out the best. We must not get distracted from the work God has given us to do.

Don’t be discouraged by the troublesome times–these things must come to pass. We are promised that God’s grace is able to sustain us, the Holy Spirit will help us, the Bible will nourish and guide us, and Jesus will never forsake us. What more could you ask for? We have good reason to be in high spirits. Keep pressing on until that glorious day when we see our Savior face to face. As the song says, :It will be worth it all.” God never short changes His servants! THINK ABOUT IT!