For the last month we’ve been packing. A week ago, we sent 98 well-packed large boxes to the states along with another 44 packaged pieces of furniture. Packing is a lot of work, and it reminds me of a funny story.
About 7 years ago, our coworker, Ms. B. and her husband, Mr. J. were packing to move. In the midst of all the taping and packing, an old friend of theirs showed up. The lady friend, asked Ms. B. “Will you be taking this?” “Yes,” she answered.” Then came a series of questions: “What about this?” “Oh, the wonderful paintings by so, so. Will you be taking those?” And, “What about that and this?” “Yep, you know it, and more ‘yeps” were the homeowner replies.
Then, the lady took it a step further: “What about Mr. J.?” “What are ya gonna do about him?” she asked. “Will you be leaving him?” she asked. “What do you mean, what about Mr. J.?” (Friend): “Is he going?” “Will he stay behind?” Ms. B. then snapped, “Look at this lady! Isn’t she something?! Like, I’m gonna leave him around, for her to take?! Of course, he’s going with me!” I guess Mr. J. ended up packed too! Maybe, even labeled “Fragile!”
Almost sounds like Joseph and Mary packing up to head back home, but forgetting one most important thing: Jesus! After three days they found Him in the temple with the teachers and doctors discussing scripture. Some people can’t believe the chosen couple could actually make mistakes, or that they could be flawed. This is why it’s important to read the scriptures for ourselves! People have been following false teachings for centuries, yet, it’s right there! Mary and Joeph traveled on and left young Jesus behind. Everyone is susceptible to sin. NEWS FLASH! Only God is flawless! No matter who we venerate, He’s the only perfect One.
Now, you don’t want to forget Jesus, no matter what you do. I don’t mean you pack Him into your belongings. NOPE! Don’t do as the Israelites did on many occasions, packing their false gods each time they moved. He’s not a figurine or a statue…He’s not a god. He’s not even hanging on a cross. He’s not a saint. He’s God incarnate. He’s the Living God; hence, not on the cross. He rose from the dead! Don’t leave Him “Hanging.”
“In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 2, 14).
“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4).
Whether you’re packing or unpacking, Jesus should be at the center of all you do; unpacked and visible for all to see.
God Bless!
Sam
DONE!