Not all marriages are made in heaven. Some are made in Detroit-about as far from heaven as you can get these days. On May 1, 1954, my birthday by the way, two great pioneering auto names joined forces-merged, to become American Motors. In a move to survive, Nash and Hudson joined forces. Sadly Hudson left us in 1958, Nash a year earlier, but AMC would survive into the 80's before being purchased by Chrysler, and finally merged-or raped as they would later discover, by Daimler Benz. What a long, strange trip that has been.
Studebaker and Packard also joined forces that year in another failed attempt. Studebaker would make it for another 12 years on life support, Packard, once the most prestigious luxury make went out in 1958. With no remnants left of either today except in museums, car shows, and a generation where they exist in their memories.
Some engagements never make it either, at least not as planned. In the 70's, where encounter groups were the new trend, the courts tried this in lieu of punishment. Rehabilitate they said, and education would be their mantra. Criminals were criminals because they weren't smart enough, and once they learn their evil ways, and why, they will become better citizens. But when car thieves were placed together, instead of repenting,they compared notes, and we had a better car thief. When people in drug rehab got together, they found better places to score drugs, ways to camouflage it, and how to beat the courts. And in the case of alcohol abuse, even got this self inflicted wound called a disease, of which when under the influence, they were not responsible for their actions. Never taking into consideration if there is no change of the heart, there will be no change in the person or his actions.
A change of heart, is what it takes. And all it takes. And is only found in Jesus, and represented by the church of His believers. If gathering or merging works for evil, imagine what it will do when God uses it for good. And when God has the bride ready for His only son, WOW! Party on! Last night we were reminded at our Feast of Trumpets celebration that Jesus is coming soon for His bride-us. It will be a surprise party, and none like the world has ever seen or ever will. A party so extravagant and incredible only one place can handle it-heaven. He even has been sending out invitations for 2000 years to all who will listen. A come as you are party-once you get there all the food, party clothes, and music will be provided. All He requires is you. And a changed heart.
And because it is a surprise party, it could happen at any time. So He has sent out teasers to let His church, the bride, know the season, but not the day or hour. An anticipation of great excitement-and the season is now. The closer it gets, the more we anticipate it. And we who are alive will be there, via an undertaking never yet seen. We will be taken out of the world, and into heaven via one major event, the rapture of the church. And as the bride, we will be with our husband for eternity, Jesus Christ. Clothed in majesty, perfect, forgiven, and in such awe that it will take 10,000 years just to celebrate, before we start the next 10,000. You say you like to party-this is one you don't want to miss.
Didn't get the invitation, well here it is. You must be born again. And it is not difficult, for God wants all to be there, no matter what you have done. No matter prior engagements or failed mergers. Simply you must realize your sin, believe Jesus to be your savior with your heart, and confess Him with your mouth. That's it. You'll then want to publicly confess Him before your friends, and so be baptized! Invitation accepted. RSVP noted and recognized in heaven. Your name is in the Book of Life, you're on the guest list! Just get ready, the party will soon begin.
And when God blows that last trumpet Himself, only believers will hear it, just before we are all changed in 1/240,000 of a second-the speed of light. And the eternal party begins. So fast you will not have time to drop what you are doing and accept Him-you must accept His invitation before it happens. Don't get left outside where you can only hear the party inside-trust God now. Don't be left knocking at the door wanting to get in.
Jesus is saving the best for last. Just like His first miracle of changing water into wine, when all else had run out, when He arrived He gave them the best the guests had ever had, and He is saving the best for heaven. No eye has seen it, no ear has heard about it, and no mind can imagine it. Better than any Super Bowl, royal wedding or coronation, and no expense spared. God opens the doors of heaven for His son and His bride of believers. This is one bouquet you want to catch. Not just the party of the year, or the century, but for all time! You don't want to miss it-and you don't have to. You have been invited. Make the decision with your heart today to be there.
And listen for that trumpet! The most beautiful song you will ever hear, a solo played by God himself.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com