Dear Friends,

A popular movie in current release is “Bucket List” with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. A “bucket list” is a slating of things we want to do before we “kick the bucket.” The film deals with questions about priorities in life when we realize our days truly are numbered.

This is exactly what Lent is about. Lent is a time of taking stock – assessing anew what is important in life. It is facing squarely our own mortality. “ Repent for the time is at hand, ” Jesus proclaimed when he started his public ministry. This is the call to put our lives in order before the bucket tips.

All of us have some inventory in mind of things we would like to accomplish before we leave this earth. By all means we should strive to live out our dreams and ensure a legacy which will honor not only our own memory but also bear tribute to the glory of the Lord.

As far as I can tell, Jesus only had one thing on his “bucket list.” It was the salvation of the world. And this he accomplished upon the cross.

Jesus ’ last words were, “It is finished, ” and, “ Father into thy hands I commit my spirit.”

Christ left no “unfinished business.” And he completed for us what we cannot complete for ourselves, that which we could never cross off the list on our own, which is being washed of all our sins and the stain being lifted forever.

Let us attend to our lists of things to do before we die. But let us put at the top of our list coming to a full saving knowledge of the grace of God in Christ.

All of us seek that which we think will make our lives complete and satisfactory. We so often don ’ t find what we seek because our priorities in life are out of order.

“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand,” and whatever else is on your life’s wish-list will fall into place and be realized, or not, in the grace of God.

Things to do before I die . . . truly greeting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. May each of us be able to cross that one off right off the top.

Pastorally yours,

Frank

Pastor's Message Archives

Click here to return to the current Pastor's Message