Raoul’s Two Cents: May 11, 2023

ROAD TO DAMASCUS

WARNING: Serious stuff. Move on to the jokes for the smiles.

A GOOD BOOK

I have been reading a book – “Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund. This book has been creating quite a stir among the Christian community because of its in-depth analysis of Christ’s character. It’s a great help for those who are seeking for meaning and understanding in this confusing world. This is the key verse:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” — Matt. 11:28-30

Maybe you’re familiar with this verse but this book goes deeper than the way most people understand it. It shows how the great and powerful creator of the universe understands every single aspect of life including our personal concerns. Unlike the distant, angry, mythological Greek gods, Christ is right there with us; waiting to help us through our trials. The book is available in several online bookstores. (How’s that for a shameless plug?)

A BIG SHOT PRIEST NAMED SAUL

Anyhoo, Gentle and Lowly mentioned an innocuous passage in the book of Acts that resonated with me. It was about Saul, a religious Pharisee who falls off his horse on his mission to destroy the newly formed group of Jesus believers called “The Way.” You know his type — a die-hard religious/political fanatic who listens, watches, reads and breaths one-sided social media and is steadfastly loyal to his political and religious affiliations. Can’t argue with this guy. He knows everything.

On a road to Damascus, a blinding light forces Saul down on the ground. He is unable to see yet he hears Christ’s voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4) The voice explains that Saul was actually fighting for the wrong side. Instead of doing good, he was actually an enemy of God. What a shocker! Saul was actually the bully. Saul, the Harvard grad, was the ignorant one.

Taking neither food nor water, it took Saul 3 days of lonely introspection to accept he had it all wrong. Ironically, it was his enemies (the people he swore to execute) who helped Saul through his crisis. In time, Saul became a believer and changed his name to Paul. This former Pharisee became a major influencer of the New Testament. This is a fascinating history of the early Christian church. Go read it yourself.

OPEN EYES

Lately, I have been more and more disillusioned by political and spiritual organizations that did not live up to their noble mission. It doesn’t matter if these organizations lean left or right. All are suspicious! Most of them are driven by their profit margins. Wisdom begins with the fear of God. Sadly, there is no wisdom among the truly powerful … just greed and a thirst for even more power. I see the evil moneyed-puppet-manipulators in the background. Idiots who recite senseless rhetoric make the best puppets. No wonder so many are in power.

Can we look at current events with an objective eye? Are we open or afraid of intelligent opposing viewpoints? Do we need to be incapacitated like Saul/Paul? Do we wait for our world to collapse before we can admit the truth?

Take comfort in knowing there is hope. There is God.

Thanks to my friend Larry who shared this timely verse with me this morning:
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”— Colossians 2:8

TGIF people!

Raoul

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Ben of Alhambra, CA

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Garie of Kainta, Philippines

PARTING SHOTS

Thanks to Maling of New Manila

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these

THE TRAVELING BOY

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.