PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

May 15, 2024

SEEKING THOSE THINGS WHICH ENDURE

Saturday evening, May 7^th, Diane and I attended a “Concert of Praise” at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana.  The “Well Band” from the church we attend performed.  Mary Grable, a member of the band as well as the church’s adult choir, put the wonderful, inspiring, uplifting evening together.

The backdrop for the stage was a gallery of portraits of all the Heisman trophy winners.  Looking out the window to the east I could see a large, modern sculpture of “something” outside the South Bend Museum of Art.

As the evening progressed I thought of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible.  Key to understanding the book is the Hebrew word “hevel.”  Its basic meaning is a breath.  Each breath we take has significance and importance.  Without each of them we would die.  However, each in and of itself only has passing value.

The author of Ecclesiastes testifies that he had experienced many of the pleasures the world has to offer.  He has achieved great things.  However, they are only “hevel,” having passing significance and importance.  Through his long life he has discovered that the only thing that has lasting significance and importance is relationships, with others and with God.

Winning the Heisman Trophy is a significant and important accomplishment.  It is recognition of having excelled in the field of college football.  Every year many players dream of receiving the award.  Unfortunately, the acclaim can be very fleeting.  As I listened to the concert, I was only able to identify three or four of the players’ portraits.  A few more looked familiar.  Most I did not have a clue as to who they were.  I doubt if anyone in the room could have identified more than five or ten of them.

The statue outside the South Bend Museum of Art would seem to have more lasting value.  They are works of art that have survived centuries, being on display for the public today.  One of the highlights of my trip to Italy last summer was to be able to see Michelangelo’s David.  Unfortunately, the depository of art available for public viewing is only a small part of that which has been produced over the ages.  Many magnificent buildings and statures have succumbed to earthquakes and floods.  Many a work of fine art has been lost simply because of neglect.

Saturday evening, May 7^th, the only thing that has true lasting value was the message about which those who performed sang.  They sang of Jesus’ love, his dying on a cross for all humankind, and his always being there no matter how difficult the situation might become.  Having a relationship with Jesus will not only see us through this life, but also the one after our life under the sun comes to an end.

There are many things in this world which have significance and importance.  However, in most cases they are only of passing value.  They should be enjoyed and appreciated.  Never-the-less in the end only relationships, especially a relationship with Jesus Christ can have lasting value.

(This article was originally published May 15, 2011.  Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)