What red-blooded member of the Western story and Western movie cult has not developed a fascination for the old-style posters proclaiming that someone is wanted "Dead or Alive"?

The Scriptures for today suggest we should have before us a series of posters with our pictures on them, each proclaiming in the boldest of print: "WANTED! Alive; not Dead!" This is the impression one gets from the whole biblical message.

Moses in his farewell address reminded the people that God had set before them blessing and cursing, life and death, and he pleaded with them to choose life. John reported that God’s concern in sending Jesus into the world was that all who would respond in faith might have everlasting life.

Jesus wanted to help everyone have life - and have it in joyful abundance. In his great …