"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Have you ever wondered about what Paul meant? I have. I sure know I spend way to much time thinking about things that are not true, honorable, just, pure, commendable, excellent or worthy of praise. But I recently came across the story of Brian Clark and found it to be just such a story, one worth thinking about. I wonder what you will think?
Brian Clark is an executive vice president of Euro Brokers and he was one of only four survivors working above the point of impact in the South Tower of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attack. As the plane sliced through the building on an angle, causing enormous devastation from the 78th to the 84th floors, two of three available stairwells were completely destroyed.
Brian, serving as a volunteer fire marshal on the 84th floor, led a group of seven to the one remaining portal of escape (“Stairway A”). Brian relates what happened next: “So we started down that stairway and we only went three floors and… we met two people that had come up from the 80th floor – a heavy-set woman and a rather frail male. She said, ‘Stop, stop. You’ve got to go up… You can’t go down. There’s too much smoke and flame below.’ "Brian was skeptical of placing their hope in a roof-top rescue. A heated argument ensued, but he could not convince the group. They proceeded back up the stairs. Brian meanwhile heard cries for help coming from a nearby office and left the group to rescue Stanley Praimnath, a banker trapped on the 81st floor. Together they made their way down the stairs to safety, escaping the building just minutes before it collapsed. All those that chose to ascend the stairwell perished. In spite of passionately held beliefs to the contrary, the one and only route to safety was down Stairway A.
In Brian's story I see the picture of many who believe that they can find another way to eternal life. But Jesus made the situation crystal clear when he said in John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." No matter how certain people may be that they have found another way, Jesus tells us he is the ONLY way.
Now that's something to think about.
Have you ever wondered about what Paul meant? I have. I sure know I spend way to much time thinking about things that are not true, honorable, just, pure, commendable, excellent or worthy of praise. But I recently came across the story of Brian Clark and found it to be just such a story, one worth thinking about. I wonder what you will think?
Brian Clark is an executive vice president of Euro Brokers and he was one of only four survivors working above the point of impact in the South Tower of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attack. As the plane sliced through the building on an angle, causing enormous devastation from the 78th to the 84th floors, two of three available stairwells were completely destroyed.Brian, serving as a volunteer fire marshal on the 84th floor, led a group of seven to the one remaining portal of escape (“Stairway A”). Brian relates what happened next: “So we started down that stairway and we only went three floors and… we met two people that had come up from the 80th floor – a heavy-set woman and a rather frail male. She said, ‘Stop, stop. You’ve got to go up… You can’t go down. There’s too much smoke and flame below.’ "Brian was skeptical of placing their hope in a roof-top rescue. A heated argument ensued, but he could not convince the group. They proceeded back up the stairs. Brian meanwhile heard cries for help coming from a nearby office and left the group to rescue Stanley Praimnath, a banker trapped on the 81st floor. Together they made their way down the stairs to safety, escaping the building just minutes before it collapsed. All those that chose to ascend the stairwell perished. In spite of passionately held beliefs to the contrary, the one and only route to safety was down Stairway A.
In Brian's story I see the picture of many who believe that they can find another way to eternal life. But Jesus made the situation crystal clear when he said in John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." No matter how certain people may be that they have found another way, Jesus tells us he is the ONLY way.
Now that's something to think about.
1 comment:
This is such an important truth I don't think we emphasize enough. There are so many "wrong roads" out in the world now. It seems that no one wants to delight in the price Christ paid for us, but would rather find another way (that doesn't exist) to God. Thank you so much for being faithful to God who bought you! I love you Mr. Gramps. I hope you had a wonderful Father's day!
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