GRANT COUNTY CHURCH OF CHRIST
November 1, 2009

WHAT SURGERY TAUGHT ME
Jerry W. Carmichael

As a gospel preacher I try to think about spiritual applications to every situation in which I find myself. When I see a tombstone, I think of a memorial, a legacy, a reputation, and other ongoing lessons from the life represented by this stone monument.
My recent surgery on my ear, (the second such surgery in 10 years), reminded me of something about the body that can be applied to the church.

THE BODY IS DESIGNED TO RESIST INVASION

While surgery is a great cure for many ailments, it is painful and against the normal, natural order of things to invade the body in such a way. This becomes evident by the fact that one seemingly small operation requires weeks of recovery.
The church, the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18), is designed to resist division and invasion as well. The cutting open of a congregation takes years from which to recover. This is why Paul warned us to “Note those who cause divisions… and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
Many times churches of Christ have been torn asunder by opinions and extreme positions. In some cases this invasive damage was done some forty to fifty years ago, but it still causes pain and heartache and in many instances is still the cause of hatred and bitterness.
Sometimes our brethren handle problems like the man who bought a long-eared Mule. He was seen by a neighbor cutting a notch in the top of the barn door opening with a chain saw. He explained that the mule’s ears were so long he couldn’t get it through the door. To which the neighbor inquired, “Why didn’t you just dig a trench in the dirt floor of the barn and walk him in that way?” The astonished farmer replied, “Why, silly! It’s his ears that are too long, not his legs!” It is sad to say that we in the church have often wanted to take a chain saw to the church, when we should have been careful, patient and should have thought things through before doing irreparable damage to the Lord’s body!
This is just one of the lessons I learned from surgery. Others will follow I am sure!




FROM "SEED" TO "BRANCH" "TO SAVIOR!"
Jerry W. Carmichael

One of the few things with which most religious groups in the U.S agree is, the far-reaching fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. "I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heel”. That the writer is talking about the eventual delivery from death by the Messiah is of little debate. One of the most amazing aspects of the fulfillment of this promise, is the many times in history when the bloodline from which the Seed was to come seemed to be on the brink of extinction!
It seems as if Eve thought the plan was foiled when her son Cain killed his righteous, God-pleasing brother Abel. Notice her comment when Abel's replacement Seth, was born. "For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed" (Gen.4:25). It is noteworthy to see which of Adam's sons Luke traces the Christ back to in his "Gentile Version" of the genealogy (Luke 3:3).
While the account of the great flood of Noah's day teaches many lessons about the way God protects and preserves the righteous, it also tells us how unrelenting God is in His promise to send a Seed to crush the head of the adversary! Of the, possibly, millions on earth at the time, ONLY EIGHT WERE KEPT ALIVE!! Because they were faithful to God and they were to preserve the bloodline!! (Gen.6-8).
The first time we read of father Abram he is going on a journey for God which will eventually end in a barn in Bethlehem of Judea! Who could have guessed that from this man and his wife who were childless until they were about 100 years old, would come millions of descendants including the Savior of the world!!! (Gen.12).
The trials of Jacob & Esau also serve to teach us how God was focused on the promise throughout the Old Testament. The second twin who was born grasping his brother's heel (Gen.25:26), would be the one to buy the birthright at a "bargain basement" price (Gen.25:29-34). He would also be the one, with help from his mother, who would receive the all-important blessing from his father, Jacob, which would place him, for all practical purposes, in the coveted position of the first-born! (Gen.27)
It was Joseph, the son of Jacob, whom God used to keep the bloodline alive. His trials in Egypt, coupled with his faithfulness to God, would "save many people alive" (Gen.50:20). Joseph's brother, Judah would be the direct ancestor of the Christ, but Judah would have died in the famine if Joseph had not been in Egypt, in a position of authority, able and willing to help his family!
Another amazing example of god’s providential care of the bloodline from which the Savior would come is the story of Queen Esther of Persia. Her courage and quick thinking saved the Jewish people from extinction.
Beginning with the Book of Genesis, God had made it clear that he would bless His Covenant People and bring a curse upon those who tried to do them harm (Genesis 12:1,3). The Book of Esther shows how God has kept this promise at every stage of history.
Perhaps no scripture better illustrates our point than the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Zechariah. Each of these great prophets tells of a time in the History of Israel when the bloodline from which the Christ would come seemed to be extinguished. Each of the prophets also explain that the line of David is down but not out. The illustration of a plant is used in each case. Also in each case, it appears as if the plant has died. But a root still remains from which a Branch will grow. The Branch is a reference to the Savior ( See Isaiah 9:1-8;11:1-7; Jeremiah 33:15-16; Zechariah 6:11-14).
It is remarkable to see all the twists, turns and amazing care of God that was involved in bringing the Savior to the world. Thank God that He took the time and effort to assure us that the means of our salvation was born, lived, died and was resurrected just as He had planned!

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Is 9:6).
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