Nothing Lasts Forever...or does it?

TITLE: Nothing Lasts Forever.., or does it?
DATE: December 21, 2015
TEXT: Luke 1:46, 47, 52 - And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
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About 1,200 years ago, the emperor over most of Europe was a fellow by the name of Charlemagne. He was the kind of fellow who looked like an Emperor and many in his kingdom acted as if he were a sports hero, movie star and popular politician all rolled up into one.

That being said, even Emperors are not invulnerable to the ravages of time.

Knowing the clock was winding down for him, Charlemagne gave orders for his funeral. He instructed that:

1. He be buried with a Bible,
2. his sword was to be placed alongside him,
3. the imperial crown should be on his head, and the royal mantle draped over his shoulders.

Every request was fulfilled and the emperor (or what was left of him) stayed that way for about 180 years. When his tomb was opened, his skeleton was intact, his skull still sported the crown, and a bony finger was pointing to Matthew 16: 26 which reads, “ “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” Most of Charlemagne’s bones were reburied, although some were given out as relics (and even now scientists are examining some of his bones taken from the tomb.)

Which is a long of getting to the theme of this devotion which says: people die. The toughest, the richest, the bravest, the most famous. Sooner or later they die. Indeed, it is a rare individual who can even be remembered as more than an historical footnote 100-years after he passes away.

But that is not the case with the Savior.

Shakespeare once wrote: “we occupy our brief time on life’s stage and then we’re gone.”  For most people that is true… but that is not the case for the Savior. His hometown tried to “bump Him off” and His King tried to kill Him. Numerous plots were hatched against Him. One of His closest friends betrayed Him , both His Church and government condemned Him, but Jesus did not go away.

Yes, He died, but He did not go away. Three days after His very public death, He had a very public resurrection. Which explains why, while other leaders are forgotten, each year, Jesus’ birth is celebrated by more saved souls than the year before. 2,000 years after His birth, His presence remains so powerful that our calendar revolves around His coming, and each passing day points out that no one is His equal.

Jesus’ defeat of sin, the devil and death says God is in control. He tames today’s terrors and providing hope for tomorrow’s unknowns. Only the Savior Who has conquered death can promise that those who believe on Him will not be forgotten in life or in death.

Because of Jesus, God’s good news of great joy, immortality has been achieved for all believers.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord there is very little in this life which is permanent… including each of us. I give thanks that You will never leave us, forsake us or forget us. I rejoice that Your promises will last forever. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
 
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The article which inspired this devotion was written by Rosella Lorenzi on February 5, 2014 for Seeker. The website where the article is found is: https://www.seeker.com/father-of-europes-bones-found-1768280980.html

\The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html