Have you ever stopped and turned around to look back? What do you see? When we reflect on the life we’ve lived, we see the milestones that mark out our walk. We see the places of our greatest successes and sometimes our biggest disappointments marked out for us. What are the milestones in your life? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we look back, we remember the personalities that were bigger than life. We remember the people that touched our lives. We remember meeting our heroes and people we looked up to. Last week we remembered our dads, for many he was a hero and mentor. Who are some of those who have been a part of your life? Who have you looked up to? Who has helped you accomplish the milestones of your life?

In the coming weeks our nation celebrates a milestone, 250 years of independence. In 1776 we wrote a letter to the King of England and explained we no longer need to be under his authority. It cost us many lives and much bloodshed, but we won our independence and became a free nation under God.

In our lives we experience a wide variety of things. We go through highs and lows. We have joy and pain. We celebrate birthdays, graduations, promotions and partings. The milestones that mark our presence. I recently visited the cemetery and found an old friend, Patrick T Evans, US Navy veteran, Vietnam. Some may remember Rev. Pat. Without his effort I would not have had the opportunity to lead Racing with Jesus Ministries. So many of our milestones are dependent on those who came before us.

As the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us there is a time for everything under the heaven;

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to me, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

In life we face challenges, ups and downs, and disappointments. As we look back at our accomplishments they sit as milestones along the path of our life. We can list the common ones, birth, graduation, job, marriage, children, home, retirement, etc. 

The events of our life that mean the most to us are life-changing events. They change the course of our lives. Christ came and changed the course of history, he split time. He came with one desire in His heart, to provide the opportunity for Salvation to everyone; to change our lives for the best.  He said it in John’s Gospel this way;

John 10:10; The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

To accomplish this it meant Christ would have to give His life as a sacrifice for us. His entire purpose was to sacrifice himself for us. He marked that milestone with three simple words, “It is finished” in the 19th chapter of John’s Gospel. There are many important events in the life of Christ that are recorded in Scriptures, but the most important one is this, he accomplished on the cross what we could not do for ourselves. He paid the price for our sin. We are forgiven because of this sacrifice. We have a restored relationship with God because of this sacrifice. We can live an abundant life because of this sacrifice.

As you reflect on the milestones of your life, is there one there that marks the day you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? Is there one that marks the day you followed Christ in Baptism? There should be. That milestone is where your life changed. You began anew; you were born again! If that milestone isn’t there, allow me to help you mark it. We invite you to pray with all your heart this simple prayer: 

“Dear God, help me. I have tried and have fallen short of the life you want for me. I am a sinner. Nothing I can do can save me from my sin, please forgive me. I ask Jesus into my life. This day, this moment, I receive Jesus as my personal Savior. I submit to Him as my Lord and King. I turn from my sins and turn toward You. I receive your forgiveness and will strive to live for your glory. Thank you for saving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer there is a new milestone in your life. One that marks the day you were saved from the penalty of sin and welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. Congratulations, share your decision with us, Amen!

Blessings,

Pastor Don