Tom was standing on a long extension ladder that was leaning against a coconut tree. That tree must have been about 30 feet tall. He had in his hand a long pole with a saw on the top. Soon a cluster of coconuts came crashing down to the ground. We all helped carry them over to the compost pile. Then Tom took a large machete, over two feet long, and began slicing through the tough outer husk. Working only on one side of each nut, he soon exposed the hard inner shell. Then he made two holes through that shell into the nut and drained off the “coconut milk.” Finally, after opening a half-dozen coconuts he had collected a pitcher full of coconut milk and a big pan full of coconut meat. “Thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” Psalm 128:22For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. (Psalm 128:2).
We were soon to have a real treat, something that we had never had before -fresh coconut ice cream! Cream, eggs and sugar were added to the chopped coconut meat. This was all poured into a container inside the ice cream freezer. Ice and salt surrounded it. The handle of the freezer was turned and turned, until the thick, rich ice cream was just right.
It had taken Tom all afternoon to prepare this treat for us to share. We all ate it slowly and greatly enjoyed the delicious, fresh flavor. We really appreciated all the work he had done to make this possible. We told him how much we enjoyed it and thanked him.
When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we confess to Him that we are sinners. God sent His Son here to open the way for sinners into heaven. That way is open for all who trust in the finished work of Christ. In John 17:44I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. (John 17:4), the Lord Jesus, speaking to His Father, says, “I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.” The work is all done, never to be done again. “But this Man [the Lord Jesus Christ], after He had offered one sacrifice [Himself] for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hebrews 10:1212But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Hebrews 10:12). There is nothing now for us to do but believe. Then we know that our entrance into heaven is sure.
We really enjoyed our fresh coconut ice cream. Perhaps someday we will taste it again. But there is not a pleasure nor a treat on this earth which could be as wonderful as the joy we have as Christians. We have the joy of knowing that our sins are gone and of soon being with our Saviour in heaven! There is nothing for us to do but believe and then thank Him.
ML-08/08/1993