Some Things Last Less than Others: Awake Series, Part 3
The advancements of technology are amazing. What was once impossible is now
possible. Like the invention of suspension bridges that can withstand more
weight than conventional bridges, for example.
But then again, not everything that is built lasts. Take, for example, one of
the first suspension bridges ever built in America. It was built in 1856 over
the Montmorency Falls near Quebec City. It was the pride of Canada. A beauty in
conception!
5 days later it collapsed, taking its bridge keeper, his wife and a bridge
visitor for the ride of their lives (Not my kind of ride!). The engineer didn't
fare that well either, when he was indicted for criminal negligence.
A more recent bridge, Bridge 9340, that spans the Mississippi River in
Minneapolis, used to carry 140,000 vehicles daily, making it the fifth busiest
bridge in Minnesota. On August 1, 2007, during the worst possible time of the
day, rush hour, it collapsed, killing thirteen people and injuring 145 others.
The cause? A design flaw!
We could name numerous other disasters of technical wonders that never lasted
long enough to fulfill their intended uses. One thing they had all in common:
they were all flawed with flaws indiscernible to the eye!
One day we, too, may realize that we are left wanting. In fact the New Testament
urges us to "wake up!" as
more often than not we forget our true purpose in
life.
"I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake
up!" (Rev 3:1-2 NIV)
These words are far from flattering, don't you think? But if we really meditate
on them we have no choice but to agree with them.
As Christians, our reputation is that we are truly alive. Didn't Jesus say "I
have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV)?
We are the ones who are called "alive" and who are to bring that "full" life to
others. However are we truly "alive"?
How many times don't we sing worship songs with frowns permanently etched into
our faces, with our thoughts geared towards the mundane? How often don't we go
to church wishing it was over before it even starts, or perhaps we don't attend
at all? How many times are we eager to open God's Word to hear directly from the
One who is called the Lover of our soul? How frequently do we communicate with
the One we call Lord and Saviour? Do we share that jubilant life with those we
call "our friends"?
Are we truly alive or are we dead? Who wants to dream their life away? Maybe it
is time to wake up!
The apostle Paul urges us to: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and
Christ will shine on you." (Eph 5:14 NIV)
The only way we can truly experience real living is if we wake up from our
stupor and let Jesus be the One who shines through us. He is the One who gives
true purpose in our lives.
"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the
most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Eph 5:15-16 NIV)
We, too, are wonderfully made, but we, too, can become flawed if we don't let
Jesus change us from zombies into creatures of light. We, too, can crumble under
the weight of those who trust us, unless we let Jesus be our energy.
We were meant to be alive, not to crumble into everlasting sleep!
Revive me Lord, that instead of discouraging others, I may shine! May I become
fully alive according to your purpose. May I soar above the clouds so that
others will indeed know that I am a follower of the Way, Your way, and that I
have abandoned my own way. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.
On January 23rd 1938 a terrible wind storm blew over Lake Erie, propelling an
abundance of ice down the Niagara River and over the Falls. The ice accumulated
at the foot of the Falls and started to push against the bridge abutments and
the hinge supports of the arch. This caused severe structural damage, and the
people of Niagara Falls were aware that it was only a question of time before
the bridge would eventually collapse. Word got out, and numerous tourists and
locals waited in the cold to see the bridge's downfall, which eventually
happened four days later at 4:20 in the afternoon.
Rather than attracting people to come and witness my demise, I'd rather they
come to the One who not only makes me alive, but can make them alive as well.
What about you?
Rob Chaffart
