On January 8th 1956 Jim Eliot along with four other young men were killed in Ecuador by the very people they were seeking to evangelize. A memorable statement was found in his journal. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” It is a variation of a line written in 1699 by Philip Henry, Matthew Henry’s father. “He is no fool who parts with that which he cannot keep, when he is sure to be recompensed with that which he cannot lose.”
Through the years this thought pops into my head at the least provocation. Today I got this month’s copy of Popular Mechanics and once again I thought of it as I read the cover article, “Survival Secrets – 20 Fatal Mistakes.” It tells us how to cope with dangerous situations. But it neglected to tell us how to cope with the reality that we all will die somewhere, somehow. So I will. You and I are going to die. Now comes the very big and huge HOWEVER. However, when we accept Jesus we instantly crossover from death to life. John 5. Jesus, the one who never lies, said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11
I do understand why Popular Mechanics did not mention this. But I would be remiss if I did not. Jesus – The Resurrection is the headliner of our lives. As Jim Eliot said this is something we cannot lose. No one can snatch it from us. It is the gift that keeps on giving forever and ever and ever and ever. Please don’t make the really fatal mistake of not accepting the gift.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 11, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org