Jellyfish Teach Us to Live Forever

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/28/world/asia/can-immortal-jellyfish-unlock-everlasting-life/ 

Check out the link above.

A scientists from Japan thinks he has found the secret to immortality in the Scarlet Jellyfish. Shin Kubota has studied jellyfish for 35 years. From the artical: 

 "When an adult scarlet jellyfish -- or medusa -- is injured, it goes to the bottom of the ocean floor. From there, it morphs back into its infant state, known as a polyp. Then the polyp becomes a new medusa ..."

Immortality has long fascinated scientist and explorers. From the early efforts of alchemist to Ponce de Leon, they search for a secret we already possess. The essence of our faith is a creator's sacrifice and His divine plan to choose us through our belief in His ability to overcome death. Since our God will always remain somewhat mysterious, proof will never be obtainable for us. Our frustrain is not based on our need to be accepted by nonbelievers but in our concern for lost souls. They simply want logical reasons to believe. While we cannot provide definitive proof our God exist, our faith can be logical. The built in desire to search for a way to live forever is the homing beacon to our creator. You'd expect a mysterious creator to sign His work much like artist will camouflage signatures in their works of art. Maybe that is what the cone nebula, the legend of the sand dollar, and dogwood are. Perhaps the jellyfish that lives forever because it is "born again" isn't. It could be merely a coincidence that scarlet means " change" and is a biblical reference to Christ's blood. It could be a series of random flukes when the bible references God leaving our sin on the ocean floor in Micah 7. and if anyone in Christ is a new creature in 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

 Here's what I know. Sin will injure you. Once you're at the bottom, Christ doesn't leave you there only your sin. He will lift you up if you're born again. Christ 's blood will change you and you will live forever. Oh yeah, one more thing I know. Multiple coincidences aren't logical.

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The Big Picture

I'm not what you'd call a frequent flyer. Though I love to travel, opportunity is rare and as a justifiable necessity almost nonexistent. The infrequency makes appreciation of rare moments easy. Like the Grand Canyon from 15,000 ft. It's one of the Father's great works of art, the canyon is incomprehensible from photos. It's even hard to grasp the enormous size even in person from the ground. As I looked through the window of the plane, I thought of how much better God's point of view is than ours. He sees things completely, inside and out. Taken in by the intricate carving and painting of His grandiose design, I thought,  the hands that knitted together and continue to mold us are the hands belonging to one that considers us His masterpieces. Much like a dissatisfied artist will discard an imperfect piece in which we would find no flaw, He has decided to destroy this world.  So you know, heaven's really something since He has had eternity to perfect it. With His infinite wisdom and perfect love He guides us. That might even include a free trip to Sin City. Perhaps, to share the gospel with a bartender. I don't know what she'll do with it. I'll probably never know what God does with her but she's His one of His masterpieces. We can trust Him with the details. He sees the big picture.

A Rough Sunday at the Rock.

Sundays are great. Rock Sundays are awesome. Beach baptism Sundays are the best. Honestly today, another adjective comes to mind. Sundays are rough . There's so much we still miss about our pastor. I always read the Sunday night cranium dump (his blog). I so looked forward to it. It highlighted the day and pumped us up for the next week. It made us laugh, soberly convicted us, and encouraged a closer walk with Christ. Praised the band.  Shared his thoughts on how we could improve upon what we are already doing. It was sure to mention the number of those who gathered and those who crossed over from death into life. I missed the cranium dump so much tonight I thought of how the day went and how he would have put it down.

Today, I was so proud of our church. Over 800 gathered to hear the good news. I led a young man to Christ in the lobby. Best part of the day. 

The Rock band version of Amen was awesome. No, I haven't heard better.  Some people will get that. Missed K-lock and Mary. Hunter and Justin Lowes rocked worship at beach baptism. We need to get better sound equipment for that event. 

In spite of rough waters and a purple flag ( dangerous aquatic life ) being out, many went all in for Jesus. Matt Brown gave a great explanation of baptism. He 's come along way for a Clemson fan.  He sounded a lot like a great preacher as he joked about today being a good day to go to heaven. Actually, any day is a good day. As long as we are here, let's get more people ready for the trip. Right?

 Kelly should get an award for her efforts to capture the moments on film. Jim Brown led us in a prayer huddle, remembering our friend but propelling us forward. It was only possible to stand because we leaned on each other. Probably a metaphor there. I will always remember that prayer. It was worth the trip just for that. Have I told you I was so proud of our church today? Rough waters won't prevent our being obedient to God. He will eventually calm the seas. 

Personal thoughts: There is beauty even in the roughness. Four years ago Kevin baptized me. Today we baptized a Kevin. He's brand new adventurer on a journey with an endless destination! Our savior is alive! We are alive and we will live forever. 

 I told you it is a living legacy. 

Spiritual Lessons From Shark Week

   Shark week. Every year it roles around just in time for beach baptism. I can hardly wait for two of my favorite things. I recollect several lobby conversations with Kevin Childs when the two overlapped. He had no problem telling me Chris Fallows of Air Jaws was "bat crap crazy". After finding out I had been shark cage diving with Fallows, Kevin had no problem telling me I was. Shark cage diving remains one of the most memorable events of my life.

    Rising out of South Africa's False Bay is Seal Island. It's nothing more than a rock with about 60,000 seals. 30 yards from shore is known as "the ring of death" where white sharks take seals.  Though gruesome, many of the predations are spectacular displays of great whites performing acrobatic full body breaches. It's truely an awesome experience that less than one hundredth of one percent of the population have ever had. It's also filled with symbolic lessons for believers .

     Safety is nothing more than an illusion. Dive equipment isn't infallible. The steel cage that keeps divers comfortable offers no real protection from the 19 foot sharks. Shark have penetrated cages and even sank boats. The only safe place is the rock. Even there, the seals fight among themselves. Interestingly, only those seals that get separated from their group get attacked. Usually, in the shallow waters near the surface. The best defense against the predators is to dive long and stay deep. Older, more experienced seals, scarred from battles with Great Whites, will teach some of the young this life saving technique.

    Likewise, the only security a believer can have is found on the rock solid foundation Jesus Christ. We shouldn't just stay comfortable thinking we are playing it safe. We are called out of the cage. Our best defense comes from diving deep and long into His word. A word that promises trouble in this life and anything but safety in complacency. We may argue amongst ourselves but we are less likely to become prey if we stick together. So, do not leave your group! Our job is also to teach the next generation. Few will experience what we have. We'll have the scars to prove it. When the wounds heal, they will just be a reminder of how wonderful it was even though it was scary.