Avizandam. In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avizandum. Years ago, my older brother George, who was a year and a half older than me, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
The prognosis was not good. He had surgery where some of the tumour was removed. but he knew, apart from a miracle of God, that he had only a few months to live. George was a very capable physician and received the best medical advice. and treatment.
He lived in Durham in the north east of England, and I was able to visit him several times prior to his death. I also talk regularly with him on the telephone. My brother George was a precocious wee boy, and at the age of four, prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Throughout his life he consistently lived for Christ and demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit. No one who knew George had any doubt that he was an authentic follower of the Lord Jesus.
He was actively involved in ministry, and for many years served as an elder in the church he attended. He also had a great interest in medical missions.
Now, how does a Christian cope with such a diagnosis that George had? I believe that my brother provided. A good example. Yeah. We Scots tend to be rather stoic and not given to hyperbole, nor are we overly emotional when dealing with personal matters.
And as I talked with George regarding his illness, and his impending death, he assured me that he was at peace. He stated that throughout our lives, we had experienced love. We grew up in a home where our parents loved God, loved each other. and loved us. We didn't grow up in a materially rich home, but in a home with something far better than material riches.
Christ was honoured, and our parents sought to live as worthy. of the Gospel. George was an exceptionally good student. It was tough following him at school. He graduated from medical school at Edinburgh University in Scotland and practised as a physician.
He married Irene, whom he dearly loved, as well as the three boys whom God graciously gave him. George also had many friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, where there was mutual love. In my conversation with George as he was dying, he went on to say that although he had experienced the love of God, all of his life. Never had he experienced it more deeply and more profoundly. than at this time of the diagnosis of a serious brain tumor.
How could this be? George was a very grinded person. He was probably the most secure person I've ever met. His security was not just because of his brilliant mind and academic achievements, but of his identity in Christ. Facing death, all of his achievements meant very little.
He was, to quote the Apostle Paul, rooted and grounded in love. This love of God was poured into his heart through the Holy Spirit who was given to him. And the love of God was also received by George through the love of others. If his security was in his achievements, his health, his resources, facing death, would be very different. but he knew that nothing could separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Why are so many people insecure anxious and confused. Probably the majority don't come from homes like the one in which George and I were raised.
Furthermore, many have not personally received the love of God revealed through our Lord Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that our being is the foundation of our doing. That is, what we are is the basis of what we do. If the reverse is the case, we will struggle. and experience uncertainty.
but if we are rooted and grounded in God's love, we will stand fast, irrespective of the difficult surrounding circumstances. The Apostle Paul makes it very clear. That our salvation is not your own doing. It's the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one May boast. We must understand that our salvation is entirely of the grace of God.
which not only saves us, but sustains us and leads us safely to our eternal home.
So what we do should be based on what we are. That is security. That is being grounded. That gives us the confidence that if God is for us, who can be against us? Avizandam.
You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.
