Speaker: Courtesy LHM

The hope of our world lies in dutiful sons and daughters, who know the love of God in Jesus Christ, which excludes no one. Our Father is patient and kind toward people who daily wear out His patience and who, we might think do not deserve His kindness, either.

Finally, He has given us the Holy Spirit—the One who does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He creates faith in us and helps us to cling to our Savior, trusting Him even in the darkest times.

They told you the rope wouldn’t break—but it was really, really hard getting up the courage to lean your whole weight on that rope and go over the edge that first time.

Eliezer became not just a servant, not just a rich man—but a son of God, adopted through his Savior, Jesus Christ. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in the far-distant future meant that Eliezer was blessed already, in his own time—no longer a servant, but a son.

All who trust in Jesus are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to God’s covenant promise. As God’s own people, His holy nation, we are called and set apart to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in Jesus’ Name to all nations.

So, the opening chapters of the Bible could be summarized as follows: our first parents, Adam and Eve—whose names mean “Human” and “Life”—had a son called “Acquired.” Separated from God, Human and Life brought forth Acquired. And what they Acquired stole their Breath away

And we may be flattered! It’s hard to say no to somebody who is treating you like the fount of all wisdom. “Surely she would listen to you,” they say. Or they may phrase it this way: “You’re the first person I thought of for the job. You know how badly we need help. Can we count on you?”

I call this a ridiculous question because, of course, our faith is real. It is true that God became a human being, lived among us, cared for people, was arrested, suffered, and died on a cross for our sake. I

The writer of Ecclesiastes is traditionally believed to be King Solomon. If this is true, Solomon was right to worry. His son Rehoboam was the next king—and he was a man so foolish that he split his country in two.