Peaches and Prunes - Pt 5

So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days' journey in breadth. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. (Jonah 3:3-6, 10 ESV). Happy Birthday, Mary! I must confess that I am envious that she is looking younger and younger while I seem to be getting older and older! However, this birthday gives me an opportunity to inject a marvelous thought to our series on aging. She certainly is “peachy”! I remember reading somewhere about a woman who was celebrating her 100th birthday. Her church had scheduled a party for her. She was a never-married lady who had a great sense of humor. One of the elders, who also happened to be a funeral director, was the master of ceremonies. Helen was up to her humorous best. As the elder interviewed her, she explained very clearly her “last wishes.” She announced, “I want no men pallbearers for my funeral. They wouldn’t take me out while I’m alive. They’re not taking me out when I’m dead!” Now that’s a great outlook on life. Humor is essential as we get a bit older. After all, none of us are going to make it out this alive! There’s lots of humor in the Bible. We sometimes miss it because it comes out of cultures different from ours. A biblical favorite is irony, seeing things together we don’t expect. Our reading is like that; here we see the disobedient, runaway Jonah bringing the whole city of Nineveh to its knees. We would expect such success for Jeremiah, not Jonah! Humor is faith’s helper, open to surprises, believing God can do whatever he pleases. The secularist looks at the troubled world and says, “It’s serious, but not hopeless.” The Christian, believing in a miracle-working God, looks out at the same troubled world and says, “It’s hopeless, but it’s not serious.” Because God can save when humans can do nothing, this life of trouble and trial is “no step for a stepper.” And, no matter your age, when you are in Christ, you are a stepper! Faith urges, “Trust God.” Humor adds, “No need to take yourself so seriously. God’s got everything under control.” So, while I’m doing birthday well wishes to my lovely wife and lamenting that she is much younger and healthier than I am, I must remember that I am a stepper. Well, maybe just a shuffler with my stiff joints; though you get the point. Celebrate this day, birthday or not. It is day the Lord has given to you. By the way, cake is served at the house all day. Come on by. We’ll celebrate together. Happy Birthday, Mary!