1/11/12

RIVERCEPTION


Now here is something you don't see every day; a bridge for a river over a river!!!  Why? My every instinct tells me that this is photo-shopped, but who knows?  I have a hard time believing this one is genuine, so if anyone out there knows about this, please comment on the blog.  Until then, I remain unconvinced.  Which reminds me of a chapter in the book of Luke...

WEB: Luke Chapter 1

[1] Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, [2] even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us, [3] it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; [4] that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

[5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. [6] They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. [7] But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. [8] Now it happened, while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division, [9] according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. [10] The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

[11] An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. [14] You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. [15] For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. [16] He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. [17] He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”

[18] Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

[19] The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. [20] Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Due to the plan of service in the temple and Zacharias' age, it was very unlikely for him to be chosen more than once to perform the service in the temple.  But, it really was Zacharias' turn and during his service Gabriel told him of his upcoming fatherhood and the special mission of his son.  Since he and his wife were old, he just didn't believe what the angel told him.  Because of this, he wouldn't be allowed to speak until the day of his sons' birth.  Sometimes its hard to believe things you can't see and often even things you CAN SEE, but I guess that is what FAITH is all about.  God knows what we need and always answers; sometimes its YES, sometimes its NO and at other times, its WAIT.  When the answer is YES, even that seems too good to be true; even when it is plainly before your eyes.  Lord, help us to see your blessings and understand truth when we see it!!!  Now, about that bridge...

Make your calling and election sure by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/2pe1_10.htm

Something to think about... Gary