Rest In Peace

TITLE: Rest in Peace
DATE:  August 3, 2019
TEXT: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-6- For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
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Requiescat in pace.

Rest in peace Volkswagen Beatle.

You have, in your 70-year lifetime managed to do some amazing things. For example, how many other automobiles could say their exterior remained identifiable over the decades? How many vehicles can say they have managed to sell 21.5-million units? How many have other vehicles been for sale in 91 markets around the world?

Rightly you have been acclaimed! Some would claim that Ferdinand Porsche created the world’s greatest auto design when he finished your plan for Nazi, Germany. In truth you may be the greatest. After all, your outline of form is globally almost as familiar as the Coca Cola logo. 

So we say Rest in peace. Volkswagen Beatle.
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When two weeks ago, the plant in Puebla, México shut down its lines to retool,  it truly was the end of an era. As Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America said, “The role it has played in the evolution of our brand will be forever cherished.”

Rest in peace VW Bug.

And, when people ask, what finally squashed you, they will  be surprised at the answer. You who survived being connected with the 3rd Reich; who had inadequate power, a terrible heater, ties with the hippy counter culture of the 60’s and are representative of the Geek Squad, were brought down by America’s love for SUV’s.

Americans like things big, and “big” is the one thing you couldn’t  do; “big” is the one thing you couldn’t be. Which is why we say “Rest in peace.”

Everything has to change. Everything has its time. Everything has a time to be born, and, if Rabbinic tradition is to be believed, Solomon said in the book of Ecclesiastes says, a “time to die.” Which all goes to prove that Solomon may have been smart, but he wasn’t all that smart.

For example, what would he do with Hebrews 13:8. You remember that’s the passage where it says, “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Think about it.... what does that mean? It means this: no matter what changes your life may see, no matter how many of Solomon’s check-list you may encounter, Jesus Christ and His love is still going to be there.

The Savior Who conquered death itself will help you get through all of those times of sadness, sorrow happiness and joy. He Who has given His life so you might have life, will be unchanging in His grace; unchanging in His promises of help; unchanging in His forgiveness who welcomes sinners back into the family of faith.

In short for Jesus, there is “No rest in peace.”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord keep my faith every bit as alive as You are. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The devotion for today was inspired by various recent news articles. For further reading you may wish to go to this address: and the article written by . https://www.newser.com/story/277577/its-the-end-of-the-road-for-the-volkswagen-beetle.html?utm_source=share&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=def
The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html