A Plaque on the Wall

When I went to Singapore with my wife, we visited St. Andrew’s church. It was quite interesting as the pews had dividers in between them and the pulpit was pretty old style - it was actually a box that hung the Pastor high above the congregation. Old spanish churches in the Philippines have this design.

But what struck me were the plaques that lined the walls of the church.

One plaque read, 

In memory of Henry Arthur O’Brien (born November 21 1853, died April 5, 1897) and Hancock Thomas Haughton (born January 27 1859, died July 9m 1897) both of the Civil Service of the Straits Settlements. This Tablet is placed by their comrades of the same service who loved them.

One plaque read:

In memory of Maximilian F. Simon C.M.C.M.D for 25 years in the Medical Service of this Colony, 10 years as PCMO. Born January 30, 1848, Died June 17, 1902. Erected by many friends.

Another read:

To the memory of John Harvey a prominent resident here 1843-1858. Died June 6, 1879 aged 58 years.

Still another read:

In the memory of Robert W. Maxwell, son of the late Sir Peter Maxwell who served with the Strait Service Police from December 24, 1893 to August 14, 1893 interrly as Inspector General. He died at Backbourne, Wiltshire. Aged 49 years.  This tablet is erected as a mark of esteem of the Penang and Malacca Contingents of the S.S.R.

These truly were great men in their time. From how they were described in their plaques I can imagine their families proud of them when it was unveiled. Recognition of men, in the house of God.

How many of us live our days just hoping to achieve half of what these men have done? People in the work place, try so hard with their lives for it to have meaning. Thats the currency of the world now. We are defined with what we do, what we have done. Ask anyone who this person is, and chances are they will say, that he is a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or whatever profession that he is in. Yes our world has defined greatness with achievements. 

When I looked at the plaques on the wall, none of the names rang any bells. The legacy that these plaques are a testament to the lives of men who excelled in their lives are probably no longer remembered by anyone. Only the plaques stand as witnesses to these people. We don’t really have to move any farther. How many of us really know about how rich, exciting, complex, full or ups and downs, real, or heartbreaking the lives of our parents were? Our grandparents? Our great grand parents? Really, WE WILL be forgotten.

Cain and Abel are a picture of the world. Cain’s name actually means “fine craftsman” while Abel’s name means “vapor.” So Cain believes that he actually can create great things - worthy things. While Abel believes that he is but a vapor in this world. When they came to God to present their sacrifices, Cain brought the fruit of the ground through his hardwork, while Abel brought the firstborn of the flock. The offering that Cain brought represented his works. Since the ground was cursed, the fruit of the ground actually came from the hardwork and “craftsmanship” of Cain. While Abel brought the firstborn of the flock - a picture of Jesus.

People who deem their works great, will bring their works to God. People who know that they are but a vapor in the wind, will call upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Friends, the only offering (in hebrew - that which draws us close to the Lord) to the Lord that is acceptable is Jesus Christ. And the person who knows that He is just a vapor in this world is the one who will have a revelation that Jesus Christ is the only way to get closer to God.

Our life here on earth is short. It is like a vapor in the wind. And man has brought it upon himself to make this short life about strife, conflict, petty arguments, anger, jealousy, ambition and the like. All these concerns will not mean anything in a few generations after we have left the world. Yet, the Lord wants us to have a full life here in the world in Him. He want us to have life, life to the full - pressed down, shaken together and running over - His Life. 

When we receive Jesus Christ, He gives us His Life, the Zoe Life. And though it remains to be short here on earth, it will be full. And though it remains to be short here on earth, it is a shadow of how beautiful eternity will be with Him in heaven.

In the eyes of God, it is not what you do that is important. It is who you are. In Christ, we are made co-heirs. Be blessed. Have a Zoe Life in Jesus!