LightGrams
April 11, 2019
Volume 23, Number 14
Most have heard of the Guinness Book Of World Records. This annual publication has been around since 1951, and is now published in over 100 countries in 23 different languages. An article in Newsweek magazine (9/28/18) reports that Guinness has more than 40,000 records in their database, of which only about 15,000 are published.
What are some of the more obscure records that we haven’t heard about? Here is a sampling: Ashrita Furman (who holds more Guinness records than anyone) set a record by slicing the most watermelons in half on his stomach in one minute. Kazuhiro Watanabe has the record for the tallest mohawk; his hair was measured standing 3 feet, 8.6 inches. A new record for spinning a basketball on a toothbrush – while holding the toothbrush in his mouth – was set in 2012 by Thaneshwar Guragai; he kept the ball spinning for 22.41 seconds.
A couple of things stand out when looking over such lists. First, people are capable of doing amazing things. The second idea, however, is what strikes me more: People will resort to bizarre behavior in order to have their names published in Guinness’s book.
Some followers of Jesus were excited as they returned from their missions. “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name,” they exclaimed (Luke 10:17). That would indeed be exciting. Descriptions of demon possession in the New Testament are graphic. These evil spirits held people hostage, but Jesus’ power over the demonic realm was demonstrated on numerous occasions.
Jesus, however, pointed his followers to something that should have excited them far more: “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
In Revelation 21 John reported some amazing things about heaven he had seen: “… no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). “That’s where I want to spend eternity!” most would say. But will they? Who will be allowed to enter through those gates?
In Revelation 21:27 John gave the answer: “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” There is a Book, we learn, which contains the vital list of those who will be blessed with eternal rest.
How does one get their name in that book? Revelation 22:17 is one passage to ponder: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2019, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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