Devotional Guide
For the week of November 30, 2003
AMERICA COMES OF AGE; DECEMBER 7, 1941
Why not to wait for difficulties
To Read: Matthew 1-3
To Know:
"When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to
Jerusalem" (Lk.9: 51)
Sixty-two years ago today the attack on Pearl Harbor began as far as the
Japanese were concerned. On December 3, 1941 Admiral Yamamoto radioed a
three-word message to fleet commander Nagumo. His words were, "Climb Mount
Nitaka." They signaled the final decision to steam to Pearl Harbor. Nagumo
received the message with mixed emotions. Sinking America's Pacific Fleet
would pit his tiny island against a nation spanning an entire continent. The
attack planned for the morning of the 7th might invite the end of the
Japanese Empire and Nagumo knew it.
Jesus Christ decided to allow himself to be betrayed, arrested, arraigned on
false charges, and executed by crucifixion long before the day that Pilate
washed his hands of him. The plans for that awe-filled day were laid before
ever an atom was spoken into being. The cross of Christ is far more profound
than the world and even many Christians realize. Angels are absolutely awed
when they gaze on the goodness and grace of God, despite their never having
been redeemed. Christ died for sinners not for angels. The decision of the
Son of God to submit to the indignity of crucifixion was made in eternity
past, and during his earthly sojourn Christ recommitted himself to his
settled purpose once for all in eternity past.
To Do:
We err when we wait for the day of trouble to arrive before deciding how to
act. In fact, if we do wait for difficulties to overtake us before beginning
to say no to ourselves, we may end by saying yes to ourselves and no to God.
To Ask:
Father, I recommit myself to do your will.
12023$-12023
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