Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God. Jesus says: “They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots” (John 19:24 KJV).
A classic book of historical fiction entitled, “The Robe”, chronicles a journey Jesus’ robe took as it passed from one owner to another. Reminiscent of Elijah’s mantle, Jesus’ robe endowed each wearer with spiritual aura; each life was changed by its mere presence. This report was certainly not true, of course. It was from that book of fiction.
Ever wish for a spiritual mantle or a double portion of some powerful person? These holy vestiges seem to hold out an irresistible promise of power; relics make interesting fiction. And all the more so if they happen to be religious relics.
But the truth about Jesus’ robe is far more compelling. The 4-man squad of soldiers who had driven the nails, raised the Lord, and divided His clothes received little enough compensation for their unpleasant task, a seamless coat. Yet in casting lots for the robe, they fulfilled a prophecy whose odds were one in thirty-three million!
The truth is that the probabilities of this and other prophecies coming to pass or happening in the same 24-hour period is also one in thirty-three million! God’s promise is incredibly sure!
We should be more attracted by the reason of religion than by the relics of religion. Truth is always more striking than fiction!
Speaking of reason and relics I want to take a moment and thank the Perry County senior tax board, businesses, and individual donors who support the Perry County Senior Center and their employees who prepare, serve, and deliver a wonderful meal nearly every day to 150-200 or more of our community; many of whom are home bound and unable to make such provision for themselves. The reason, this community cares and it shows; some may suggest these are relics of times gone by, and I am one, but like all our seniors, we are more than just relics and worthy of this care.
Our seniors are not relics of times gone by; time and space simply do not permit us to consider the value of seniors. Think about it; if not for us older folk, the younger wouldn’t even be here, little alone prosper.
By the way; if you happen to be a senior, I would encourage you to join the great (but not large) assembly at the Senior Center each week day for pleasant, thoughtful, appropriate activities and a wonderful lunch 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. if you can. You will be treated well and with much kindness.
For more information contact: Director, Perry County Senior Center, 4 N Spring St, Perryville 63775 (573-547-2188)
We say “thank you” to the wonderful ladies and gentlemen who continuously serve our community seniors. The reason: you care; relics, not hardly; and we know you are special, too.
As a community, we don’t forget to love one another. There is a good reason for this. It is Jesus’ commandment. He will take due notice.
Rev. Dr. John I Chamness is pastor of the Family Worship Center A/G in Chester. He may be reached by phone at 573-547-7634 or by email at johnchamness@att.net.
