Charles Groce, reflecting that this Sabbath falls on D-Day, discusses the origin of the bugle melody “Taps,” a haunting mournful melody depicting a dying Confederate musician, a son of a Union officer, who requested that he be buried in honor. His commanding officer allowed a bugler to play this mournful melody. The version with words ends with the refrain, “All is well, safely rest, God is nigh” reminding us of Psalm 139, a celebration of God’s omniscience—that he knows our situtaion in all circumstances. The sermon takes a turn, focusing on the concept of “I thought it, I caught it, and I bought it,” indicating that all purposeful behaviors begin with a thought impulse which becomes amplified until it becomes a commited behavior. A corollary of this concept is, “I sought it, I got it, and I taught it.” We need to understand that in every condition we find ourselves in, “all is well, God is nigh.” We need to seek it, get it, and teach it. Mary Magdalene, when she learned of Christ’s resurection was super-energized to go tell what she knew—that He lives and that He is with us always, and will transform us from our vile physical bodies, giving us eternal life. We can absolutely count on that promise.

“All is well, safely rest, all is well” - Breath of life - Fourth generation Christians - God’s omniscience - He lives - “I sought it, I got it, and I taught it” - “I thought it, I caught it, I bought it” - John 20:1-2 - Jump start - Most famous living person - Sabbath - Show and tell - Sunday school - Third generation Christians - Taps - Thomas