And, We Will Be Changed . . .

1 Corinthians 15:52
. . . in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

Pastor Wallace shares the story of a young and very anxious bride-to-be.  After the wedding rehearsal, she pulls her minister aside while they are still in church.  She has a confession.

"Pastor, I want to go through with this wedding.  Really, I do!  But, I'm just so nervous about tomorrow's ceremony.  How am I ever going to get through it?"

"You?  Nervous?  Why?  You've spent your whole life in this church!"  her minister states.  

"I don't know; I just am."

"Well, maybe this will help.  See that aisle?  When you walk it tomorrow, think about all the times you've danced up and down it since you were a little girl.  Focus on that.  Then, turn your focus to the altar.  It is there you were baptized, confirmed, took your first Communion, and it's where you come with family and friends to celebrate the Lord's Supper.  Next, look at that handsome man you are about to spend the rest of your life with.  Think about how much you love him and how much he loves you.  Focus on him."

Relieved by her minister's words, the young lady decides to concentrate on those three things as she walks down the aisle the following day.  But, just moments before her father escorts her toward her groom, she feels an unwelcomed wave of anxiety.  To quell this, she decides to repeat these words out loud:

"Aisle . . . Altar . . . Him.  Aisle . . . Alter . . . Him . . ."

And, she is suddenly taken aback by the grave, concerned expression on her father's face.  She doesn't know that what dad hears her saying is this:  "I'll alter him."

Ouch!  How the English language with its myriad homonyms can sink a parent's heart!  Poor dad!  Because, as a seasoned adult, he knows:  You can't change anyone but yourself.

And, entering a marriage thinking you can change your partner in any way, shape, or form is a recipe for disaster.  It makes me wonder . . . How many divorces are a result of this hopeless and hapless misconception?

There is only One who can change us.  Jesus.  Even then, we must be willing participants in that transformation.  The Lord is ever polite.  A true gentleman.  He longs for the invitation, but waits patiently for it.

His desire is to make us His children of light.  His hands and feet working in this world for His Kingdom.  His beloved sheep who know His voice.

But, Jesus waits . . .

Only Jesus can change us.  Only He can save us from our sins.

And, save us from ourselves.

~

How have you allowed Lord Jesus to change you?

Will you pray with me?

Help us to remember, Father, that we cannot change anyone but ourselves.  We pray today for all those who have yet to choose to love and worship Your precious Son, Christ Jesus, and allow Him to change their lives.  Let them hear His voice and heed His call.  Amen.