Emphasis Preaching Journal

Marsh has Down's Syndrome. At ten, one might mistake his actions for those of a five-year-old. And as a five-year-old would, Marsh accepts whatever people tell him. Marsh loves his parents, his three sisters, and his friends. He loves anyone he meets. He even loves his speech therapist, who will not allow Marsh to drag his tongue while he speaks. Marsh loves everyone. Marsh accepts anything anyone says. If his parents ask him to do something, he does it. If his sisters ask him to get something, he will get it. He loves to be helpful. Marsh loves to be loved by his family. Abraham loved to be loved by God. God called Abraham "my friend" in the book of Isaiah. Abraham, of all the outstanding personalities presented to us in the Old Testament, was the most upright, virtuous, and obedient one. And God called Abraham "friend." Marsh has much in common with Abraham. Even though Marsh does occasionally get into mischief, Abraham and Marsh love unconditionally. They react with kindness without promise of reward. And they love God without hesitation. Marsh and Abraham and all Christians alike have the opportunity to receive the grace of God, not through works, but through faith. This promise rests on grace, not on deeds. Praise God!
-- Berg