A Final Epitaph


It's October. I've heard it said that Fall is a second Spring when every leaf becomes a flower. It's definitely a beautiful time of year. Many of my neighbors decorate in October, but for some those decorations don't really have a Harvest look. Rather skeletons, spiderwebs, and tombstones fill their lawns. As I walk my dog I stop and read some of these temporary grave markers, and I must confess some are quite amusing. Things like, "I told you I was sick," bring a chuckle to me. My dog, Mr. Fox, just sniffs and wants to mark the markers.

Someday we all end up in a grave. I know that's not an encouraging thought, but it is true. What sorts of things will be said about us? What would someone write on our stone? There was a man who lived a long time ago named Rehoboam. We read about him in the Bible, however the writer of Chronicles doesn't really tell us much of anything about his life. Instead he just sums it up with one verse.

"He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD." II Chronicles 12:14.

That's it. What a sad commentary of a life, yet what a powerful truth for ours. Let's not make his mistake. Let's set our hearts on seeking God. Jesus encouraged us in this with these words, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33.

Instead of setting our hearts on seeking the things of earth, let's be sure our hearts are set on Him. The fake tombstones in my neighbor's yard may be comical, but a life poorly lived isn't at all. 
His mercies are new to you today. Seek Him.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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