CURRENT SERIES: NEW BEGINNINGS
DAY 16: A NEW BEGINNING… WITH THE RIGHT FOCUS
By Benescke Janse van Rensburg
Suppose you page through the newspaper tomorrow morning to find an article informing the public that you have died last night. Besides the initial shock and horror, will you be proud of what you will read in the article?
The above may sound absurd, but this is what happened in the beginning of the 20th century with Alfred. In shock, he read the heading of the article a few times: “The King of Explosives has died.” Then, throughout the article the journalist referred to him as the “merchant of death” as he had invented dynamite, which is used to produce and distribute several other dangerous weapons. The biggest shock to Alfred, was the realization that the journalist had a point. But did he want to be known as the “the merchant of death”? Of course not.
In that moment Alfred realized that he was given a second chance – to re-write his future obituary in the newspaper. After much prayer in the weeks following the article in the newspaper, he became aware of the healing power of Jesus Christ, while in his heart a need arose to do something to make a difference in people’s lives.
For the rest of Alfred Nobel’s life, he spent his time, energy and money to promote peace between warring groups. With his death (and until today), Alfred Nobel is not remembered for his invention of explosives, as much as for being the founder of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Let me ask you again: will you be proud of your obituary in the newspaper if you die today? Do you need to change a few things in your life? Listen again to the words in Revelation 21:5: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’”
God specializes in second chances. He made Saul, Paul and Simon, Peter. And He used the prostitute Rahab, to help the Israelite spies to escape from Jericho! Just like Alfred Nobel, you are given a second chance to change the wording of your gravestone. Will you grab hold of this opportunity? God bless.
Father God, thank you for second chances. Lead me through Your Holy Spirit daily to never miss my purpose on earth. I pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The above may sound absurd, but this is what happened in the beginning of the 20th century with Alfred. In shock, he read the heading of the article a few times: “The King of Explosives has died.” Then, throughout the article the journalist referred to him as the “merchant of death” as he had invented dynamite, which is used to produce and distribute several other dangerous weapons. The biggest shock to Alfred, was the realization that the journalist had a point. But did he want to be known as the “the merchant of death”? Of course not.
In that moment Alfred realized that he was given a second chance – to re-write his future obituary in the newspaper. After much prayer in the weeks following the article in the newspaper, he became aware of the healing power of Jesus Christ, while in his heart a need arose to do something to make a difference in people’s lives.
For the rest of Alfred Nobel’s life, he spent his time, energy and money to promote peace between warring groups. With his death (and until today), Alfred Nobel is not remembered for his invention of explosives, as much as for being the founder of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Let me ask you again: will you be proud of your obituary in the newspaper if you die today? Do you need to change a few things in your life? Listen again to the words in Revelation 21:5: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’”
God specializes in second chances. He made Saul, Paul and Simon, Peter. And He used the prostitute Rahab, to help the Israelite spies to escape from Jericho! Just like Alfred Nobel, you are given a second chance to change the wording of your gravestone. Will you grab hold of this opportunity? God bless.
Father God, thank you for second chances. Lead me through Your Holy Spirit daily to never miss my purpose on earth. I pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a freelance journalist and author of the books, Ontdek God in die stories van mense and also Wysheid, oordenkings uit Spreuke.