The answer is yes. And in true Jeopardy form, you must answer in the form of a question, just like your kids answer you. Huh, and what are not acceptable answers here. And the correct Jeopardy response is, "How did God respond to Cain when he was asked am I my brother's keeper?" Now Theresa and I were talking the other morning about an old story by O. Henry. The wife sells something valuable to her to buy a gift for her husband, and he does the same for her. And when they exchange gifts, both are finding how it is more blessed to give than receive, for the gift they gave came with a price. They both gave up something of value, that was worth more to the other than the gift it purchased. And when I asked if she had heard this story, she said, "remember it's on the Sesame Street Christmas Album." Burt and Ernie if I remember correctly. And it is, and I would love to think that O. Henry's version is a bit more sophisticated. Even if we're not.
In the biker community we understand about taking care of brothers who have gone down. Various "Biker Down" rallies are held each year, and special rides for those who have died, and to help their surviving families. Whether it be money, time, or muscle donated, it all goes to meet a need. And in times of despair or tragedy, we become a very needy people. And many do, through ministries, to their church, or even just reaching into their pocket to give. And God loves a cheerful giver, in fact the word He uses for cheerful is like you laugh out loud while giving. "Take it-make me happy! Isn't this fun! Let's encourage others to join in with us!" And those of us who do are richly blessed. It is not so much the amount, but the heart that it was given with. And in some cases, the cost is high.
It is not unusual to meet friends my age who have become grandparents. And they love it. But sometimes it comes with a heavy price tag. The mother is single, and cannot afford to raise the child herself. Due to sin, lifestyle, or economics-she must give it up. And after making the right decision not to abort, she is faced with what to do. And that is where so many grandparents are becoming parents to their children's children. At a time where it should be their time, and they should be enjoying time with their spouse and ease into retirement, they suddenly are called upon, and respond in love to the need. A lady friend of mine recently reminded me of how her mother was her hero, when she was forced to give up her four kids, and her ability to mother them, Rosalie, her own mom stepped in, and raised them and loved them. Looking past the sin that put the kids in danger, she loved them. And I congratulate her and others who have sacrificed in doing this. When Jesus tells us "greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another," he means these parent/grandparents too. And they are heroes, and when asked by God like Cain was, they answer correctly. Without taking the mark of sin upon themselves. Overlooking it, for love covers a multitude of sin.
Much has been offered in answer to what the mark of Cain was, but it was a stain that no man could eradicate. Sin will do that to you. So when Jesus takes away our sin, and makes us white as snow, He also removes the stain. Not like my white shirts, that after many washings still have traces of oil-stains,(why is it always my favorite t-shirts?) but the stain completely gone-like it never existed. And when God is asked, He doesn't see it or remember it-it truly is washed away. The stain of sin removed, and all it took was the giving over of His son for the sacrifice. I say all, because Jesus gave it, and all to Him we owe. Like the old song says, "sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." And since it is gone, not even God sees it. He calls it forgiveness, and how good a feeling it is to be forgiven.
Are you feeling guilty about past sins? Truly-give them to Jesus. And forget about them, He does. Don't remind Him of something He has forgotten. Listen to the spirit and when God puts a Lazarus-someone in need, in your path, respond in love, by giving. Meet the need. And like I tell people, "if my house is on fire, don't hand me your checkbook-hand me a fire extinguisher!" Meet the need!
Final Jeopardy answer. The category-ONE WORD ANSWERS. Master, saviour, Son of God, Son of Man, Emmanuel, God with us, brother and friend.
The correct response, Who is Jesus? I hope you bet it all-for He did for you. That makes you a winner-and stain free.
And for that special lady who inspired this story-remember you are too! Clean before your Lord. And a hero to me.
love with compassion,
Mike
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