November 10, 2017 Brethren Letter

Dear Brethren,

Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 – BBE)

When a teenager, I remember watching a movie about a group of mountain climbers who planned to climb one of the world’s tallest mountains. Some of this movie stuck in my mind. As I remember, the main character of the movie had planned to reach the top of an exceedingly high mountain. Mountain climbing wasn’t new, he had climbed many other mountains previously. He was in good physical shape, and did everything he could to prepare for this ultimate “once-in-a-lifetime” climb.

Finally, the day came. On the ascent to the top, they had to endure many hazardous conditions. There were rainstorms, rock slides, high winds, illnesses, and even the feelings of discouragement. But, the men did not turn back! The dangers continued to increase as they climbed. Rains turned to ice, and light snows turned into heavy blizzards. Still, they wouldn’t quit!

The part I remember the most, is after having endured so many trials along the way, they finally were in sight of the mountain’s summit. Suddenly, when the main character was about fifty feet or so from the top of the mountain he became afflicted with “snow blindness”, and could no longer see the mountain’s peak. Here he was almost there achieving his goal, yet now, he considered quitting. As I remember it, a fellow climber approached him and began to encourage him. He got up and then they both continued together to the mountain’s peak, and made it! How inspiring!

For the rest of tonight’s letter, I will quote some scriptures (including the verse I opened with), to compare the physical story above, with the spiritual goals to which we’ve committed ourselves.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; (I Peter 4:12)

But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’ (Luke 9:62)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

(28) Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest.

(29) Take my yoke on you and become like me, for I am gentle and without pride, and you will have rest for your souls;

(30) For my yoke is good, and the weight I take up is not hard. (Matthew 11:28-30 – BBE)

Please have a wonderful Sabbath!

Your Brother in Christ,

Gary Liebold