牧者心聲  Pastor's Message

11/22/2009      Car Accidents

      1 Thessalonians 5.16-18. 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

      Having the need to drive, I’ve seen my fair share of accidents on the road. Just last Wednesday I witnessed an accident in Golden Gate Park, at South Drive and Crossover Drive. I was a few cars back heading south and at the red light. Then I saw the light turn green and right when it did a small grey car darted across the intersection from right to left (east-bound). I thought, “Pretty gutsy! … Then again, I see this a lot in SF… But how in the world is she getting through the north-bound traffic?” SCREEECH! CRASH!!! “Oh, she’s not.” Thankfully, the accident was minor. The only damage was to the cars. But then, does the passage above seem out of place?

      Be joyful always. Personally, I don’t know if I would be joyful at this time. If anything, all my joy would have been extinguished. I would be asking, “Why did this happen to me?” Not, “What an unfortunate circumstance! Though, with this unexpected meeting, pleased to meet you person-that-Iaccidentally- hit. What’s your name?”

      Pray continually. Ok, so there might’ve been a very short prayer right before the collision, but I don’t think that was the reason for the collision.

      Give thanks in all circumstances. Here, most would say that they are happy that they are alive and that they are thankful the only damage was to the car.

      All of these are valid responses to the three verses. But, let me ask this? How does the passage end? With Christ Jesus, our Lord. This is the key to the passage. This is what we are to be thankful for, whenever things go well, or even when things do not. May we always be joyful and pray to our Lord Jesus. And even when Thanksgiving isn’t nearing, don’t forget to thank him as well!


                                                                             Brother Benjamin Chung


      PS. For those looking for short verses to memorize, verses 16 and 17 are pretty short. Plus, they are important! Then just add verse 18, so you finish off the sentence!