Ox-Eye Daisies
John Miller
07/05/21
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 7/5/21 _____________________________________________________________ "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you." - I Pet. 1:24-25 |
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The field next to our property is sprinkled with ox-eye daisies each year. Even though these daisies are unwanted by some, for most people these cheerful yellow and white faces are welcomed for the joy and beauty they bring. However, their beauty is fleeting. In a few months they will be gone. It is hard to find anything that really does last for any length of time, just ask any person in the twilight of their lives. Physical beauty, the strength of youth, the accumulation of riches, even the sharpness of one's mind all fade away. But scripture tells us that the word of the Lord remains forever. For thousands of years this word has strengthened and encouraged millions. And what exactly is this word of the Lord? It is the gospel, the good news of what God in Jesus has done for sinful man. The gospel is the most important news mankind can ever hear. And it is for this reason that the gospel must remain pure and that every Christian must insist that it be proclaimed clearly and often. Much of what is preached and taught in many of our churches is not the gospel. It is either not taught at all or is distorted when it is taught, which is even worse than its neglect. If you think you are saved, how do you know it? If your answer to that question begins with the word "I" then you probably do not understand the gospel at all. The importance of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus needs to be embraced by the mind as well as the heart. Like the daisies, we all will fade and fall along with all we have done or accumulated. The gospel will remain. Make certain the purity of it resides in, and has transformed, your heart. - John
