Tuesday, January 20, 2009 was an historic day; America elected its first black president. Millions came from far and near to be a part of the festivities. Tears streamed from the eyes of many, while others declared that it was the dawn of a brighter day. As the camera spanned the crowd, packed in like sardines in the cold, I could not help but be impressed by the sight. In my mind eyes, I was taken to another inauguration, one that still lies in the future. I thought of that day when Jesus Christ will return and there will be an inauguration that will end all inaugurations.
Lately, I have realized that I do not reverence God as I should. If we are all honest, none of us reverence God as we should. To think angels veil their faces before him, and cry “holy, holy, holy” is an awesome thought. My finite mind cannot comprehend the majesty of God. When Moses met God in the burning bush he was told to take the shoes from off his feet for the place where he stood was holy ground (Exodus 3). When God came down on Mount Sinai, the whole mountain shook, His voice thundered and man dared not touch the mount lest they died instantaneously (Exodus 19, 20). When Isaiah saw the Lord “high and lifted up,” the prophet exclaimed “woe is me; for I am undone” (Isaiah 6).
Last week while on the internet I saw an article about the death of Adolf Merckle, a German billionaire. Merckle was ranked the 94th richest person in the world by Forbes magazine. What killed him? He threw himself in front a train on Tuesday. Why? Because of the losses that his company sustained as a result of the ongoing economic meltdown. Merckle joins a list of wealthy individuals who have resorted to suicide as their fortunes have dwindled. Chicago Real Estate mogul Steven L. Good, died of an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound last week as well. Kirk Stephenson, Chief Operating Officer of a private equity house jumped in front of a train in London last September. And finally, Rene Thierry Magon de la Villehuchet who reportedly lost $1.4 billion invested with Bernie Madoff slashed both his wrist two days before Christmas.
Below is the first chapter from the book “Bible Adventism” by James White. This first chapter totally blew my mind. I was struck by the fact that he took one text and was able to enlarge on it as he did. The Word of God truly is deep, far deeper than we think. You can read the book online at http://dedication.www3.50megs.com/jswhite5.html.
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Hebrews 11:4
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours: and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13