Around 1815, the year the Napoleonic wars were terminated, numerous
people from Ireland and Great Britain left their old world for the new
world in North America. They were tired of overpopulation, unemployment,
poverty and famines due to failed harvests. At least North America was
the land of opportunity!
They had no idea what trials they would
be facing in North America. First of all, the trip on a cargo ship was
slow and overcrowded, the perfect breeding grounds for contagious
disease. The arrival of shiploads of contaminated immigrants was a
nightmare for the authorities in North America. In Canada, a quarantine
station was established on Grosse Ile, just outside of Quebec City. No
way would cholera-infected immigrants be allowed into Quebec! Imagine an
epidemic!
All ships had to stop for inspection. Those suspected
of being infected, as well as anyone who had contact with them, were
placed into quarantine. All their belongings were disinfected, the ship
was disinfected, the cargo was sanitized. These immigrants were not
welcomed with open arms. In fact they endured fearful days and nights,
not knowing what to expect. Did they have the disease or did they not?
They started to doubt.
The inhabitants of Quebec were also quite
fearful of these diseases that could easily lead to death. Everybody was
apprehensive and for good reason. Despite all these precautions, their
measures proved ineffective. In 1832, 3,851 citizens of Quebec died of
cholera, with another 1,885 fatalities in Montreal. Fear was truly
rampant in those days!
Even now, many face disease that could
lead to death. The fear has not diminished at all, even after all these
centuries.
Then there are other threats as well: wars, terrorists
. . .
To be truly alive means we have nothing to fear, not even
death. We are fearless! After all, Jesus showed us the way to eternity.
One day we will wake up to a reality that is way beyond our imagination:
We will be in the presence of the One who willingly died for us. Wow! We
truly have nothing to fear!
The Good News is true: "Since the
children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that
by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of
death-that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held
in slavery by their fear of death." (Heb 2:14-15, NIV2)
Death is
not a natural consequence. We were created to live forever. Death
started when the evil one succeeded in making humanity doubt our
Heavenly Father, and instead, he filled our minds with pride and
self-interest (See Gen 3:1-25). How dreadful to believe such words: "For
God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you
will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Gen 3:5, NIV2). How could our
forefathers believe such a lie?
But are we any better? How many
among us have not fallen for lies, believing them to be true?
Examples: Electricity representative selling us a contract for cheaper
rates; Life insurance agents promising us the moon; Drugs that will lead
us to heavenly bliss; The promise of a worthwhile goal when joining
terrorist groups; Spam promising us a fortune . . .
How gullible
we are to believe such lies! No wonder so many live in fear!
All
of these lies were overcome when Jesus paid the price for our deceptive
wanderings. Now we have the certitude that death is not the end. We have
received a promise that makes us unshakable: "For it is by grace you
have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is
the gift of God-" (Eph 2:8, NIV2)
We know now where we are
heading. Nothing can lead us in the wrong direction. Jesus is our guide:
"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." (John 10:9,
NIV2)
Who do we believe? Fear? Or the promises of the One who
willingly died for us?
The promised land isn't on this planet.
It's way up yonder!
Rob Chaffart
The Land of Opportunities. Alive series, 29
Today's Bible Verse:
"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their
humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds
the power of death-that is, the devil- and free those who all their
lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." (Heb 2:14-15)
The Land of Opportunities. Alive series, 29
Announcement:
Look forward to next week when we will conclude this Alive Series.
- This mailing list is a public mailing list - anyone may join or leave, at any time.
-
This mailing list is announce-only.
This newsletter is dedicated to bringing people closer to the Lord through thought-provoking inspirational stories. It is published every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Privacy Policy:
Our Privacy policy
We will never share, sell, or rent your individual personal information and email address with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
How can you stop receiving our newsletters?
Each newsletter sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving our newsletter. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any newsletter.
If you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to webmaster@answers2prayer.org for review.