I Love You More Than Chocolate

When Zach was born, we didn't know if he would live, and if he did, we didn't know how long. Now at (almost) 24, he is thriving, making the most of life and loving all he encounters. 

As you can imagine, we have come in contact with many people because of Zach. Some of them have been amazing, showing us and Zach love, support, and laughter. Others won't even acknowledge Zach or purposefully shut him out verbally or physically. 

Somewhere in my lifetime and walk with Christ, it was put into my head by a "well wisher" that Zachs salvation wasn't possible because he wasn't cognitively able to accept Christ and have a true walk with God. 

It destroyed me. 

I didn't want to believe it was true. But...because I wasn't at all confident in interpretation of Scripture or theology I just believed what was told to me. Would be brother not be saved because of a number of disabilities he was born with and had zero control over determine his eternity? 

This is what kept me up at night. This is what made me question the validity of God and Christ's death on the Cross. I praise God for the amazing mentor God put in my life, Meegan who met me in this termoil. 

We were sitting in the local diner we frequented for breakfast and I brought this topic up. I always loved the way Meegan approached answering questions. She would give the different possible outcomes and then wait to hear what I had to say. 

She was hesitant, and more concerned for my hurt than the question itself, and then pointed me to this passage: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."

— Matthew 18:10

While some commentaries note that children in this sense isn't talking about age, but rather the state of the believer, others call out the Parenthood of God and the act of selfless sacrifice and redemption through Christ for those who have even the smallest bit of faith.

Reading through commentaries and theologians, and the growing relationship between my brother and I throughout the years since that conversation with Meegan, I have no doubt in my mind of Zach's salvation or relationship with God. I can see it when Zach smiles, in his laughter, in his acts of service and kindness to others, in the way he genuinely cares for those in the world who are suffering...

I pray that we all may witness this first-hand...the devoted and unconditional love for another people the way I see God's devoted and unconditional love for Zach. Until Monday, Cheers! Sam Jo.