Ron Hutchcraft Ministries - A Glorious Sunset - #8312

Friday, July 10, 2009

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Summer means a chance to see some of God’s best artwork—those sunsets. I was recently speaking at a conference that was on the shores of Lake Ontario, and I made sure I finished speaking before time for sunset. God just finger-painted the sky with these amazing patterns as the sun was setting, and then even after the sun was gone. It must have been the inspiring scenery that inspired a thought actually about my life and what happens before the sun sets, however near or far that sunset is.

I’m Ron Hutchcraft, and the sunset has something to tell us about living well and ending well. As some people get older, they get more beautiful. They’re more tender and selfless and generous. But others seem to get uglier; they become meaner, more self-centered, more negative and bitter, and critical and cranky. That’s not how the time before sunset is supposed to be. And if you’re doing life with Jesus, He gets sweeter as the years go by and so do you. And a man or woman who’s been trying to be more like Jesus as time goes by is like the sunset. They leave a beautiful glow even after they’re gone. It’s called legacy: a loving impact on lives that will far outlive you.

The psalmist said, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:13-14 ). That’s what I want to be when I grow up! So, get rid of the baggage that can spoil the sunset, fix what’s broken, think legacy, stop thinking about yourself and go out gloriously!

This radio program references: Psalm 92:13-14