Psalm 137:5-6
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
In this time and place we're always taught to look out for #1- me. But beware lest I forget my Jerusalem. My Lord, my home, my family, my leaders, my sisters and brothers in Christ. Let me not speak or perform if I do not choose them over my chief joy.
A friend and brother-in-Christ from high school died in a car wreck 4 days ago. He was 19. He was one of the only other students in school who used KJV so I instantly thought highly of him, haha. That's definitely not the only reason. He's one of the smartest guys I've ever met. His zeal and knowledge of the Word was astounding. I loved to argue with him, though we got under each other's skin at times. It was fun and I am thankful for knowing him. I was thinking about him this week. He's inspired me and caused me to question and seek out truth more than many brothers and sisters, though we never had opportunity for fellowship outside of school. Today at his funeral some inspiring words he had spoken or heard and passed on to others were read:
"To receive a crown of life in heaven we must receive a crown of thorns here on earth".
He spoke of how this life is full of sacrifice. It's the beautiful paradox the Lord gives us: whoever will lose his life for Jesus' sake will find it. In laying down our lives we receive life and joy and peace and the promise of the Father. May I prefer my God and His people above receiving the greatest joy. I have found that in putting The Lord first and then others in front of myself and my own happiness or comfort, I receive my chief joy.
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