I used to enjoy listening to Paul Harvey on the radio. His distinct voice, wit and wisdom made him a media star. On top of all that, he was simply a good man. He had a tag line that he repeated often during his broadcasts. It went, “And now, the rest of the story…” I want to borrow that and change it a little. Today’s blog is titled, “The rust of the story.”

Do you remember your first car? Whether new or used, it was a prized possession, and you were so proud of it. Mine was a 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon. It had three on the tree, and a 283 V-8 under the hood. I loved that car. I named it “Rompin’ Wagon” and actually had those words painted behind the front wheel wells. Because I pushed the “Rompin’” part too much, I had to replace two rear ends and a transmission while I owned that car. Where is it now? Probably in a junkyard, mined for parts, discarded, and rusting.

Of the twelve cars we have owned during our fifty year marriage, my all-time favorite was a 1993 Buick Park Avenue Ultra. I drove that car for almost fifteen years. It had every luxury option available from GM that year. Punch the gas pedal and the supercharged V-6 would put you back in your seat. Where is it now? Probably in a junkyard, mined for parts, discarded, and rusting.

Nothing on earth lasts forever. Possessions break and decay. People disappoint and desert. Homes crumble, burn, collapse, or are blown away by time, firestorms, earthquakes, or tornadoes. Investments lose value. Physical prowess diminishes with age or disease. Salespeople, advertisers, and politicians promise and forget… or simply lie.

Looking solely at the world around us, we can feel insecure, aimless, and lost. More than anything, we need a sure relationship, a solid foundation, a secure future, and something that lasts.

God’s message to us through his prophet Hosea is that he is near and that he will be there when we need him. Using examples from nature, Hosea highlights the truth that we can count on God. When you feel tossed about by winds of change and the shifting sands of time, stand on God’s solid ground – find your security in him.

When you feel abandoned, isolated, or abused, call out to him – he will come. And this relationship will always be true – no rust, decay, collapse, or unfulfilled promises. Come close to God – he is close to you.

God will appear. God will come.

Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. HOSEA 6:3

That is the rust of the story and the rest of the story!