All the way to the End, may we say: “Hallelujah, Praise the LORD!”
My mom is a HUGE Johnny Cash fan. If fact, one year, we even gifted her with a biography for her birthday. If you climb into the vehicle with her, then you might be privileged to listen to a few of his melodies, and if you have ever sat beside her in church, then you have probably heard her phone ring (and not be on silent during the service). The important point to notice is that when her phone rang, then a Cash melody played.
Before Johnny Cash passed away, he recorded a final album titled “American VI: Ain’t No Grave,” and the title song was one that spoke of his HOPE of the resurrection.
Years ago, during my early years of teaching, I shared a video with my students, one where a hardened young man befriended a young school teacher who taught him to read. I was drawn to this video because it reminded me of my grandpa, my mother’s dad. This young man not only learned to read during the video but also was led to see and believe in Jesus. I find it quite amazing that the lead role in the movie, the man who left a hard way of life, one who learned to read the Bible was played by Johnny Cash.
When Jesus calls out to us, He offers us an opportunity to say: “Yes, Jesus.”
All the way to the End, may we say: “Hallelujah, Praise the LORD!”
“Now after John had been taken into custody,
(The Gospel According to Mark 1: 14-20)
Jesus came into Galilee,
preaching the gospel of God, and saying,
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the gospel.”
As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee,
He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon,
casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.
And Jesus said to them,
“Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,
who were also in the boat mending the nets.
Immediately He called them;
and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants,
and went away to follow Him.”
- Boldness.
- Sacrifice.
- Courage.
Missionaries are not the only called ones. Jesus calls all people to follow where He leads. Maybe He is calling you to leave your home and go onto the mission field, but maybe Jesus is calling you to stay in the place where you work and to speak more boldly for Him. Even business, even schools, even stores, even universities, even banks, even EVERY PLACE, wherever we are working, we are to SPEAK JESUS.
If we are really serious about following Jesus, then shouldn’t we be 100% faithful?
All the way to the End, may we say: “Hallelujah, Praise the LORD!”
- Johnny Cash was.
- My Grandpa Hall was.
- My mom is.
- Am I & Are You?
No Hesitation—“Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”
No Saying, “Wait Jesus” or “Maybe Tomorrow” but—“Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.”
Those who have experienced the faithfulness of God are expected to share His faithfulness, even on their deathbeds and in every day they live. Our testimonies are an important and powerful part of our witness, so let us not be quiet. Just as our grandparents & just as the musicians like Johnny Cash—Let us go to our deathbeds proclaiming and praising the Lord. Not only did Jesus resurrect from the grave, but one day we too (those who believe in Him & those who follow Him) will one day rise again. The Bible tells us so.
- The grave could not hold Jesus’ body! &
- The grave will not be able to hold our bodies either!
- We will enjoy eternity with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
All the way to the End, may we say: “Hallelujah, Praise the LORD!”
May we continually sing “hala” praise and glorify “Yah” GOD!
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
(The Psalms 105: 1-3 & 43-45 NASB)
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.”
. . .
“And He brought forth His people with joy,
His chosen ones with a joyful shout.
He gave them also the lands of the nations,
That they might take possession of the fruit of the peoples’ labor,
So that they might keep His statutes
And observe His laws,
Praise the LORD!”