Wednesday; November 22

I was too young to remember what happened sixty years ago today, but on November 22, 1963 the United States lost its president to a sniper’s ambush. While I don’t remember the event, I have spent a lot of time studying the history of the tragedy. While it is impossible to capture the emotions experienced by the death of President Kennedy through historic media, it is evident that the event was a blow to our nation. Yet, as we look back on the day, one thing stands out – America continued. Our nation didn’t collapse because of the death of a leader; in fact, we have advanced and prospered since that tragedy.

As I thought about that day in Dallas, I was reminded of another dark day in history – the day a young Jewish rabbi was crucified in Jerusalem. If we followed a traditional script, His movement should have died right there along with Him, but the impossible happened. Not only was He raised from the dead, but His new religion turned the world upside down. Jesus’ death wasn’t the end, it was the beginning of something incredible. Now, please do not misunderstand me, I am not comparing President Kennedy to Jesus’ – there is no comparison. What I am saying is that sometimes what we fear to be an overwhelming darkness can be overcome. When we build our lives on a solid foundation, we can continue to hope even when many people predict devastating failure. As Jesus began His ministry He taught His disciples, “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25). Remember, we can endure anything as long as we are attached to the One who overcame sin and death.

Think About It!

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