"Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By"
Have you ever wondered how quickly the inhabitants of Jesus’ day would have been stirred when the rumor of the Lord’s passing had reached them? Have you ever wondered of their curiosity or their eagerness as they sought to get a glimpse of the Lord or to hear His words of life? Maybe you have thought about the anxiety that was felt by those who sought the Lord’s help on behalf of their loved ones who were fighting sickness or disease? I’m sure that the phrase mentioned above would have caused many to forgo their farms, businesses, their work and even their pleasures so that they might feast their eyes upon the Lord.
And yet, brethren, it is my hope that all of us would catch a glimpse of the spiritual significance of these thrilling words "Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By" (Luke 18:37). Of course this statement is taken from a narrative when our Lord came nigh unto Jericho and a blind man “sat by the way side begging" (Luke 18:35). And upon hearing the commotion the blind man asked what was happening (Luke 18:36) and he was told,"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by" (Luke 18:37). Beloved, there should be no doubt as one ponders the significance of this statement as to why the blind man expressed how special this day truly was. For we see….
First, this day was special to the blind man because it was a day of hope. This man had become accustomed to having to beg for even the provisions of life. He had to rely on the kindness of his fellowman. And yet, we all know how cruel man can be toward one another. However, with this present situation, his hope was renewed all because of Jesus Christ. There is no doubt that the blind man had given up hope of ever seeing again and yet with Christ all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Jesus, who could perform miracles, had the power and might to heal even him a blind man. But just as Christ has such power to heal the blind (Luke 18:41-43), He also has the power to cleanse man from sin (Mark 2:17). However, to benefit from the healing power of God all must recognize that Jesus passeth by. Friends, every time the gospel is preached, our Lord is passing by, offering man the opportunity to be renewed and live life more abundantly (John 10:10). To the blind man our Lord’s passing was a day of hope, to us today the preaching of God’s Word is our day of hope.
Second, this day was special to the blind man because it was a time to be active. Instead of sitting back and complaining about his unfortunate circumstance, the blind man knew he had to act, if he were to ever see again. Thus, he sought out the Lord and His healing power. Regrettably, too many of us find ourselves being passive in such situations rather then being active. Often, we find an excuse as to why we are facing such circumstances or we wait around wondering why someone doesn’t fix it for us. However, the blind man saw that this was a time to respond in a way that he would find the Lord. So he summoned all of his faculties and engaged all his energies and cried out for the Lord’s help (Luke 18:38). As one ponders this event, we are confronted with the reality that this blind man represents how we should respond to the passing by of the Lord. Instead of sitting back and never seeking His help, we all have the responsibility to seek out His remedy for our sin sick souls (Rom 10:17; John 20:30-31; Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 22:16). Just as Peter had responded to the Lord’s request to lower the nets into the water (Luke 5:1-11), so must we say,"Nevertheless, at Thy word I will…" (Luke 5:5). Oh, yes, to the blind man our Lord’s passing was a day to be active, to us today, this is the day of salvation.
Third, this day which was so special to the blind man would be a day that would soon come to an end. Did you notice the words which were spoken unto the blind man? Have you noticed that it paints a picture of Jesus traveling through never intending to stop? Friends, the blind man understood it was now or never. If he did not act now, the opportunity to see might never come his way again. So it is with you and me today. The opportunity to hear the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ is a precious one indeed. To respond in loving obedience is our own choice. But to allow such an opportunity to pass without ever responding is altogether the greatest of shames. And yet, how often does the passing of the Lord not generate the kind of response as is seen with the blind man? Friends, the blind man manifested initiative because he knew that his opportunity would end just as quickly as when it started. To wait for tomorrow is to wait for our own destruction. Today is the day of salvation.
Dear friends, there is a time, we know not when, that marks the destiny of men to either glory or despair. For the blind man, it was that day. By acknowledging that day as one of hope, a day of activity, and a day not to be missed he closed that day being able to see the sunset. How far shall we continue in sin and how long will God forbear? Where does our hope end and where does despair begin? The answer lies within our response to the phrase,"The Lord passeth by."
Allen Weakland
Sympathy
Our condolences goes out to the family of Janet Gray, niece of Mary Bayless, who passed away on November 28th. Her funeral services
were conducted on Tuesday, December 4th in Conroe, TX. Brother and Sister Bayless went to be with their family in this time of sorrow.
Janet was 64 years old.
We express our sympathy to the family of Pete Munos, brother-in-law of Cecilia Bethune. Pete passed from this life on Friday, November
30th. Services were held on Wednesday, December 5th at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.
Current Concerns
Glenna Callendar had cataract eye surgery on Monday, December 3rd. She is doing ok.
Johnsay Nikay Mackey, five month old great niece of Bernadine Johnston, has been in the ORMC—Room 309-B with a touch of
pneumonia. She was scheduled to go home tomorrow, December 3rd, but as to date it has not been confirmed.
Christopher Golden, son of Gina Golden (Glenna Callendar’s friend) is home now and doing somewhat better. Christopher has
been diagnosed with a severe case of mononucleosis.
Prayer List
Kiah Bayless; Lee Roy Bell; Sydney Galvan; Christopher Golden; Janet Gray; Mildred Heslip; Roger, Jonna, Thomas & Grant Hopkins;
JoAnna Minter; Baby Ava Camille Simmons; James Smith (Nick’s dad) and family; Junior Whitley; DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles and Pearl Tucker
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord’s Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week’s topic will be entitled, “Forgiveness".
Our last Ladies’ night of the year will be held on Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30 p.m. Bring a homemade gift or a gift valued at $10 or less.
Also bring your favorite finger food. We are starting earlier due to the game we will be playing.
FYI
The Wednesday’s morning Bible Class subject will be the book of Revelation.
Brother Gilbert Sanchez, one of our missionaries in Mexico will be here on Wednesday, December 12th to give us a PowerPoint
presentation on the work at Casa de la Esperanza so we can see some of the improvements that have been made to the facilities there.
There will be a dinner in the annex at noon on Christmas Day. The turkey, dressing and ham will be provided. If you would like to come,
please let Bill or Robbie Butler know.
The New Mexico Christian Children’s Home will be conducting their"needs drive" on December 12th. Some items they have suggested
are bar soap, beef broth, and chocolate chips. They also accept monetary donations that you can give to the office staff.
Youth
Youth party at the Warren’s home on December 9th immediately following evening services for 6th grade and up and their families.
Please bring a finger food to share and one white elephant gift per child (used or humorous). Contact Karla Warren or Christy
Weakland with any questions.
Thank You
Thank you for the cards, prayers, and telephone calls while Lee Roy was in the hospital in Fredricksburg and I was recuperating from my fall.
Special thanks to Susan Simmons and Ann Ellison for teaching my Sunday morning Bible Class both Sundays.
Lee Roy and Sharon Bell
It has been almost 3 months since Ava Camille was born on September 7th. In answer to all the prayers on her behalf, the Lord has sustained and she has overcome many problems due to her prematurity. Today she weighs 4 lbs, 14oz from 1 lb 3 oz and today she is going home.
Thank you for your prayers, the cards, gifts, and all the encouragement you have given us. We love and appreciate all you have done.
In Christian Love, The Simmons family
Congratulations
Congratulations to Harmon and Jackie Rex who celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on Monday, December 3rd.
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of December are Devida Montgomery and Glenda Hillis.
We will not be mailing out the edifier the last two weeks of the year. Happy Holidays from the office staff.
| December 9, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Song Leader |
Steve Horton |
Rudy Ochoa |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Scripture |
Tony Marrs |
Mike Roemisch |
Second Prayer |
Ronnie Lane |
Richard Siler |
Closing Prayer |
Jimmy Nunley |
Mike Smith |
|
||
West |
Tom Sorenson |
Craig Wesson |
East |
Scot Straw |
Cody Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Ronie Lane ~ Pulpit: Bill Butler
Table: Larry May ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM "Outfitted for Spiritual Life II " (2 Peter 1:5-11)
Sunday PM "Jonah’s Confession" (Jonah 1:10-16)
Our Records
Bible Class... 121
Morning Worship... 166
Evening Worship... 125
Wednesday... 127
Contribution $5,985.60