Yesterday Has Gone

Romans 7:1-6

Yesterday has gone, so has my anniversary of marriage. I married Connie on of July 16, 1977. Thirty-two years have gone, since that warm summer day in Camden, South Carolina. There are accumulations of numerous things from years gone by. I have discovered in time that within a day everything gained can be wiped away in a flash. Gone.

Seven months prior to being married in 1977, a fire destroyed most of my belongings. Well, everything went up in smoke, except the clothing I wore, the car I drove, and whatever I did not leave in the trailer. In the fire were jewelry, pictures, televisions, exercise equipment, etc. Yes, they were "gone with the wind." In the midst of the ashes there was a Bible that the fire burnt not one cover or page. Smoke surrounded the Word of God, but could not burn or destroy it. Even I was amazed.

More amazing today is the fact that yesterday is gone. In the wind there are things that have blown through the years. I guess you may say they are "gone with the wind." There is something from the teachings of Christ that can never be taken from us. It is like the Word of God in the midst of the flaming fire, protected through the rage. Salvation remains. Life granted by the gracious act of God in Christ is still mine, yours, and indeed ours.

Here I sit in New York City alone, and yesterday is gone. It is a new day. Rest escapes me. There is a surge of life within me speaking to the urgency of now. Now is the time to live in the Spirit. Now is the time to discover the fullness of life. Now is the time to take hold of forever. Now is the time, when salvation remains to lead me home to rest.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, grant us newness of life, and let it be eternal. Amen.