Category: allegories, analogies, and parables

Open Your Eyes

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parables, My ThoughtsLeave a comment

My granddaughter loves riding lessons, and I love watching her as she directs her horse to walk, trot, turn, and back up. She’s not really in charge, but she doesn’t know that. She interacts with the volunteers who lead the horse and walk by her side, but since she’s the one with the reins in her hands, she believes she’s in control.

One day she had fallen asleep on the way to the stables.  It was a heavy sleep, and she resisted my efforts to wake her up when we got there. I carried her into the stable, hoping the greetings from the people and the neighing of the horses would help wake her. But although a small smile would escape her lips from time to time, she refused to open her eyes.

I set her on the ground and led her around to each horse and then to the donkeys. Not even their loud braying convinced her to open her eyes.

The instructors suggested they put her on the horse anyway and let Frankie do her “horse magic”.  I handed my granddaughter to the experts and went to stand by the fence. I could hear them talking to her, coaxing her, teasing her, and distracting her through questions – all while they helped her mount and walk their warm up laps. Still, those little eyes remained closed. And they remained closed for half of the lesson, totally dependent of what her instructor and the volunteers told her.

A month ago, the Lord told me things were going to get rough and that many were not prepared. They were not listening. He asked me to pray that they would wake up, open their eyes, get into the position He assigned them, and strengthen themselves by praying.

I suspected that the election results were going to cause some problems no matter who won. What I didn’t see coming was a post like the one that popped up on my social media feed a few days ago. My heart is still grieving over it.

It’s been reposted numerous times, but I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post it here. So I’ll just say, the poster accused Christians of questioning the faith of those who “didn’t want to support a man who represents the opposite of everything Jesus taught”. 

First, my heart aches for those who are hurt by the questions of others. Pain is real no matter the cause.

Second, what are some examples of how Trump represents the opposite to everything Jesus taught? Which teachings are being referenced? And which teachings are being ignored? Jesus believed and followed the Old Testament. Is that included in “his teachings?” Vague accusations are a common tactic of the enemy.

And third, why are we not allowed to question what we see? Where is the dialogue? How can we understand when the door is slammed shut as soon as we ask? Do we not get to have our own opinions?

I have watched both political sides now for four years. I have watched full debates, rallies, hearings, and commentaries. I have listened to both liberal and conservative media. And I have prayed a lot.

What I have seen is a clear difference between the sides. Although there is a bias on the right side, there are outright lies and projections on the left towards the right.

The people in charge of the left have their narratives and I can understand why they say and do what they do. But I can’t understand how regular people, especially Christians, can believe what they say. It’s like people are walking around with their eyes closed, totally dependent on what the media is telling them. Things like…

There’s nothing wrong with Biden, except when it became too evident to hide it anymore. 

Listen to the science, except in the case of gender and in unborn children.

My body, my choice, except when it comes to vaccines.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion, except for white men and Christians/conservatives.

The contradictions are clearly there. Why do people not see them? What if it’s because they are riding life with their eyes closed, totally dependent on what they are being told? They may be holding the reins, but being in control is just an illusion. They are limited to where those in charge lead them.

This also goes for those on the right who blindly follow what they are being told.

Regardless of which side we are one, we need to know that this not a political issue and it’s not a social issue.

It’s a spiritual issue.

There is an enemy who is neither blue nor red. Invisible, yet firmly in control of many.

We all need to wake up to what’s really going on in our country. We all need to open our eyes to the evil that is trying to destroy us and the God who is trying to warn us. We all need to find our place in Jesus again. And we all need to pray. We need to be strong to face what’s coming. Because I’m pretty sure the rough times are not over.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Mark 14:37-38

Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Revelation 3:3

But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand. Ezekiel 33:6

Are We Living In a Social Earthquake? Part 2

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parables, My Thoughts1 Comment
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The damage from this social earthquake is intense. Ruined family relationships, the instability of morals, the destruction of respect for others, and the broken trust in our leaders and media.

The results are a nation of people living in a constant state of high anxiety, struggling with their instincts of fight or flight and clinging desperately to what they think will provide stability and safety, whether or not it really will.

I can’t speak for non-Christians, but what if those who identify as Christians respond to this social earthquake in a different way than in the previous paragraph? What if we actually live what the Bible teaches?

Oh, wait. Those are trigger words today. Let me rephrase it.

What if we actually live the two most important commandments that Jesus gave us? To love God first and foremost, and love each other as He loved us?

If we love God with all of our hearts, we won’t be giving our hearts to the wrong people or ideas. As a bonus, as God loves us back, we won’t be looking to others to fill our need for love. We won’t need others to affirm us, and we won’t be offended if they don’t.

If we love God with all our souls, we will conform ourselves to Him, and not be confused or shaken by changing social dictates.

If we love God with all of our minds, we will be focused on Him. Meditating on His ways and character  will leave us little time to be misled by ideas being pushed and lies being told.

If we love God with all of our strength, our energy will be directed towards what God wants and in doing good. We won’t have enough energy left to bicker and point fingers.

And if we love each other as Jesus loves us, we will be keep busy focusing on the good of others.  Speaking truth, tolerating each other’s quirks, listening to the heart of others instead of what we might see on the outside, meeting their needs, and enjoying various personalities will keep us so busy we won’t have time to think about ourselves. We won’t need to. Jesus said seek the kingdom first and the Father will supply our needs. That means spend your time taking care of others as God leads, and He will take care of you no matter how strong the earthquake.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34)

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Ps 37:3

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

Are We Living In a Social Earthquake? Part 1

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parables, My Thoughts4 Comments
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I was reading about earthquakes the other day. Having never experienced one myself, I was fascinated to read the accounts by those who had. Their descriptions of the ground rolling and undulating, of the difficulty of walking straight, of buildings swaying, and the loud rumbling and groaning noises are hard for me to imagine. But then, I thought, maybe I can understand, because I may being living in one right now.

 It seemed when I was a child back in the 50s and 60s, life was a lot more stable, generally speaking. It was easy to identify right from wrong. Lies were called out. People were held accountable for their actions.

But over the decades, life seems to have become increasingly unstable, like the vibrations of an earthquake growing ever stronger. Today, it feels as if we are in a nation-wide 8.0 social earthquake. Just like an 8.0 physical earthquake causes major damage to land and the buildings on them, this social earthquake is doing major damage to the social and spiritual foundation of our country. People’s beliefs, attitudes, and lifestyles are shifting and shaking as ideas are pushed on them by vocal groups, politicians, and biased media. It’s hard to walk a straight path when we are being told to go first one way, and then another. Good is now being called evil, and evil is now considered good. Experts contradict each other, polls show whatever their creators want them to show, and AI blurs the lines between real and false. We no longer know what to believe, who to listen to, or where to go to find safety.

What if we stopped looking around and looked up instead. What if we got quiet and listened to what our Maker might be telling us.

He might be saying, “Hold on to Me. Don’t put your trust in what you see or don’t see around you. The only place for your trust is Me. I am the only one who knows everything that is happening, and how it all turns out.”

Polls media reports, political interviews can all be skewed. We can watch, discuss, research, and develop opinions – but we shouldn’t trust any of it to save us, save the nation, or to predict the future.

Trust the one who has the future in His hands. He is the only one who can save us and make our steps firm.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Psalm 1121: 1-3 

for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ Isaiah 46: 9b-10

In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie. Psalm 40:4

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. Psalm 118:8

The Difference Is… God is Omnipresent

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment
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Julie rang the bell, and then smiled at the man who opened the door. This was her second week to babysit for Mr. Thompson while he conducted a meeting in his living room. She had been surprised last week to find the playroom in the basement, but it had been well lit and filled with toys and kids

“Hi, Mr. Thompson,” she smiled at him.

He smiled back. “Hi Julie! You’re just in time. The kids are waiting for you.”

She followed Mr. Thompson past the dining room to the basement door. He stopped just before opening it. Turning to her, he said, “I heard they gave you a hard time last week. I want you to know that although they may try to convince you otherwise, you’re the one in charge. Remind them of that if you need to. I will be up here if an emergency happens, but I trust you to take care of them until my meeting is over.”

Julie nodded at Mr. Thompson as he opened the door, and then followed the sounds of laughter dancing up the steps. Being paid to do what she loved filled her with joy, tempered with the weight of responsibility. Ultimately, she knew Mr. Thompson was in control of everything, but that didn’t mean he told her which games to pull out, when to intervene in a squabble, or whether to give them their snack on plates or napkins. He trusted her to make moment by moment decisions, and only got involved when she came to him for help or when the noise level indicated his presence was necessary to restore order. Or, if she misused her authority, the children’s cries reached his ears.

Mr. Thompson’s charge to Julie is similar to God’s charge to us concerning the earth. He has told us to take care of it and of each other. Just as Julie had been given the authority to rule the children, He gives us the authority to rule the earth. Ultimately, He is in control of everything, but that doesn’t mean He tells us which shirt to wear, what to eat for breakfast, or what color car to buy. He trusts us to make moment by moment decisions, and gets involved when we go to Him for help or when the circumstances indicate His presence is needed to restore order. Or, if we misuse our authority, the cries of the vulnerable reach His ears.

Some people view God in the same way Julie viewed Mr. Thompson. They believe He is upstairs, but after charging us to take care of everything, He withdrew. He provides everything we need, but He watches from a distance, rarely intervening if at all.

The difference is…

Mr. Thompson could not be in two places at the same time. He couldn’t be at his meeting and watch what Julie and the children did at the same time. Thus he could not make suggestions to help Julie care for the children. He could provide all that she would need, but the floor between them kept him at a distance, leaving Julie to carry out her charge the best she could.

However, God is everywhere at every moment. He is both in heaven watching us as we carry out our charge, and right by our sides whispering suggestions to keep us on the path. He may not tell us which book to read next – although He might – but if we are alert to His gentle nudging, He will guide us moment by moment in the areas that count.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over… all the earth…” Gen 1:26

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.  Is 30:21

Diamonds on the Beach

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As I strolled the beach the other morning, I was surprised to find what appeared to be large diamonds glittering on the sand. Upon closer examination, I discovered that they were not the treasures they appeared to be. Instead, they were jellyfish.

Jellyfish are beautiful. Their colors, shapes, and movement are quite enticing. But along with jellyfish come something not as readily seen, not as beautiful, and downright dangerous. Tentacles.

The first time I got stung, the welt was so painful I vowed never to go in any water that contained even the faintest hint that there may be a jellyfish floating around. But as time passed, I grew more careless. I saw other people enjoying the water amid jellyfish. It can’t be that bad, I reasoned. I must have just had bad luck with the one I had encountered.

Slowly I lost my caution with jellyfish as, time after time, I successfully swam without getting hurt. But then one day I had just entered the water when a sharp pain pierced my leg. I jumped back onto the beach and stared at the welt growing redder by the second. I hadn’t even seen the jellyfish. I decided that day that, regardless of what other people did, I wouldn’t take the chance anymore.

Sin is like jellyfish. It can appear to be beautiful and enticing. You might see others happily engaged in the midst of it. But the hidden tentacles will eventually sting you. That’s why Jesus says to stay away from it. He is protecting you and others from the pain and sometimes death that results from sin. He’s protecting your future life. And most of all, He’s protecting your relationship with Him.

And that’s worth avoiding wherever jellyfish lurk.

The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. Proverbs 5:22

Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; Psalm 107:17

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” John 5:14

For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart.   Psalm 38:4-8

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings death. James 1:14-15

But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. Isaiah 59:2

Sometimes You Have to Look Harder (An Analogy)

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Sunrises are easy to see. The whole eastern sky appears to be on fire. The intense yellows and oranges, changing and growing as the sun makes its arrival are breath-taking. But there are two conditions in order to enjoy this magnificent sight. One, you have to be awake. Period. You can’t see a sunrise if you’re eyes are not open. And two, there can’t be any significant obstacles between you and the eastern sky. In other words, you can’t see a sunrise when it’s raining, or from inside a room with west-facing windows or no windows at all.

A sunrise happens every morning without fail whether we can see it or not. Even if we are facing the correct direction with our eyes open on a cloudless day, we might not be able to see the masterpiece. Or at least all of it. Sometimes life gets in the way. Trees with thick branches made thicker with countless leaves may prevent you from fully seeing the rising sun. But if you look past the silhouetted limbs, you will be able to catch glimpses of the glory on the other side.

The sunrise is there. You just have to look harder to see it.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11

When Praying is like Swimming Upstream

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Does anyone else sound like this when they pray?

God, I lift up my friend Tammy to You. She is carrying such a weight right now. Please fill her with Your strength to handle all the details that are coming her way. It’s hard to sell a house, but even harder when you’re still emotionally attached to it. I wonder if I would feel the same way if I sold my house. The evidence of my kids growing up here are everywhere. I really should get that hole in the wall fixed, though. How do I do that? Do I cover it with wide tape, like duct tape, and then paint over it? Hmmm…. the new paint won’t match the rest, so I’ll need to paint the whole wall. Should I keep to the same color or change it to another? I wonder… oh, right, I was praying.

God, sorry for getting distracted. Like I was saying, please strengthen Tammy and give her the wisdom to make the best choices. I also lift up my daughter, Erica. She hasn’t been feeling well lately. Heal her quickly, Lord, and strengthen her to be able to handle her job and family responsibilities. Her husband may understand her lack of energy, but her baby will not. Mikey needs his mother, and when she’s too tired to spend that time with him, he cries. It hurts my heart to think of him crying. Bob is a good father, but not a replacement for mommy. I wonder why some kids gravitate towards one parent over the other. Erica was a momma’s girl when she was little, but ever since he was a baby, Steve preferred Matt. He still prefers his dad over me. That hurts, like I’m being rejected even though I know he loves me. What did Matt feel when Erica clung to me instead of to him? I never thought of looking at it from his perspective…

Oh.

God, I did it again. I’m so sorry. This time I will stay focused. School is starting soon. Please be with the teachers and students as they return to the classroom. Keep them safe as they start another year. There are so many dangers nowadays that I never had to face when I was teaching. It must be stressful to be in a place where the chance of getting the Covid virus is high. Or where a shooter might show up at any time. I wonder what I would have done if a shooter had entered my school when I was teaching. How would I have protected my kindergarten students? The bathroom could hold maybe half of them, if they squeezed in tight enough, but would they be able to stay quiet? Maybe the rest of them could hide inside the cabinets. I’d have to remove the stuff in them first, but they’re big enough for the kids to fit in them. There were 2, 3, 4, 5 cabinets on the back wall. That would work for five students, but then there’d still be…

Oh, Lord.

Please forgive me. I can’t stay focused. I can never stay focused. I don’t know how You put up with this. I would be so annoyed if someone kept doing this to me. Please have mercy on me and help me to do better. I’m good at some things, like giving to the poor and being kind to my neighbor. But praying – why is it so hard? What is wrong with me that I can’t pray like my pastor does? Or the other people in my small group…

And so it goes on until I eventually finish, give up, or run off to do something I just remembered I had to do.

For me, sometimes praying is like swimming upstream. I’m trying to swim towards God, to be in His presence and stay focused on our conversation. But the current of human weakness keeps pushing me back to my own thoughts. Debris, such as memories, worries, reminders of things I need to do constantly distract me. How much easier it is to float downstream with them than to maintain the energy required to push against that current. This causes frequent feelings of failure or inadequacy resulting in many apologies and pleas of forgiveness. I think God is gracious to keep forgiving me. And He is.

And yet, what if God’s response is different? What if instead of disapproval and tolerance, He looks at it in a different way. What if instead of saying, “You keep drifting away,” He says, “You keep coming back.”

For me, that would be game-changer.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Suntans, an allegory based on a dream

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Anna entered the front door into the living room and watched as people quickly left when they saw her. She knew what it was. Seeming to grow darker every week, her glowing tan made her stand out from the pale skin the other people in this house. These people, like many others in town, avoided the sun at all cost. They treasured their ghostly appearance and looked down on her sun-darkened skin as if it made her of less value than they saw themselves. Anna didn’t like that they treated her differently than they treated each other, but accepted it. Her tan was important to her – more important than the opinions of those who didn’t understand its significance.

Spotting her new friend across the room, she waved and hurried to join her. “Hi, Tammy! How’s it going?”

“Pretty good,” Tammy said. “I just got a new gardening book and am excited to try out some of its ideas.”

“Awesome,” Anna said. “Let me know if you want any help. I love gardening.”

“I sure will. Right now, though, I’m starving. Want to see what’s in the kitchen?”

“Mmm… that sounds wonderful.” Anna motioned towards the hallway. “After you.”

Tammy led Anna down the hallway and into the large, well-lit kitchen. Several people were gathered around the island counter helping themselves to chips and salsa. One man was stirring a pot on the stove, while an older lady was filling a cup with ice from the refrigerator’s ice dispenser. Two children were arguing over the last cupcake on a plate near the sink. Across the room half a dozen people sat at a large table topped with the remains of an assortment of finger foods. From the sound of their animated voices, they were in the middle of a serious debate.

As soon as Anna and Tammy stepped into the room, all conversation stopped. People either glared at the girls or stared at their plates. Some mumbled to each other. A few took sips from their cups. The man at the stove continued stirring, but the lady with the cup of ice motioned to the kids and ushered them out of the room.

Anna tried to ignore the animosity she felt being directed at her. She smiled at Tammy. “The chips and salsa look good.”

Before Tammy could respond, a woman at the island said, “Sorry, there isn’t enough left for you.”

“But the bowl is full…” Tammy said.

“I said there’s not enough.” The lady frowned at Tammy.

“But – ”

Anna interrupted her. “It’s okay, Tammy. She says there’s not enough. I have a better idea. Let’s go get some ice cream. My treat.”

Tammy frowned but agreed.

Once outside, Tammy said, “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that. Why do they hate us so much?”

“It’s our tans. It sets us apart, makes us different. And they don’t like that.” Anna unlocked her car doors and climbed in the driver’s seat. “By the way, your new tan is looking good.”

 “But they are all different.” Tammy continued as soon as she had settled in the passenger seat. “Different sizes, different hair color, different ages, even different clothing styles. Why don’t they accept our difference like they accept each other’s?”

Anna started the engine and back down the driveway. “I don’t know. It seems unfair that they celebrate all differences, except for one.”

Tammy crossed her arms. “I wish we could make them see how hypocritical they are.”

“That would do no good. They can’t see. Besides, we were warned that spending time in the sun would give us tans, and that the tans would not be welcomed by other people.”

“Yeah, you’re right. So, what are we supposed to do about it?” Tammy sighed as she looked out of the side window. “Just ignore it?”

Anna shot Tammy a half-smile. “You got it. It’s not easy. It’s even harder trying to be nice to them when they aren’t nice to us, but that’s what we’re told to do. How else will they see that tans are not bad? How else will they be curious enough to spend time in the sun themselves?”

“If only they would. Then they would find out what we’ve discovered. Nothing is as life-giving as the sun. I love my tan.” Tammy looked over at Anna. “Hey, what about after the ice cream, we go to the park and spend some time soaking up some more sun?”

“I would love to.” Anna smiled back. “A perfect way for two friends to spend the afternoon.”

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4

But whoever does what is true comes into the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:21

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. John 15:20

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, Luke 6:27

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. John 3:20

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4

If God is Our Father… A Parable

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Tessy took one final look at her smiling reflection in the mirror before heading to the front door. The purple highlights in her blonde hair matched the low-cut crop top she wore over a black mini-skirt. Even though her seventeen-year-old body didn’t look like the girls on TV, she hoped her outfit would be enough to keep her new boyfriend’s eyes from wandering tonight. Steven was nineteen and could have any girl he wanted. Tonight, she wanted him to want her.

“Tessy?”

The deep voice of her father stopped her just steps from the front door. Sighing, she turned to face him. “What?”

“You’re not going out wearing – “

Tessy put her hand up. “I know what you’re going to say.”

“What was I going to say?”

“That you don’t like my what I’m wearing, that Steven is no good for me, and that I should spend tonight with you than to go to this party.”

Her father tilted his head. “If you know I disapprove, why are you doing it?”

“Because I like Steven. He’s not as bad as you think. And all the girls wear stuff like this. I wouldn’t fit in if I didn’t”

“I’m your father, not their’s. Fitting in is not what I’ve taught you. Dressing that way is not only indecent, but dangerous. You don’t know – “

Again, Tessy cut him off. “I’ll be fine. I appreciate your warning, but I don’t think it relevant. Maybe if I was younger or went to a bar or dressed like a hooker, but I’m just going to a party. There’s nothing wrong with what I’m doing.”

Without giving her father an opportunity to say anything else, she opened the door and slipped out.

Steven was just pulling up in the driveway. Waving to him, she hurried towards the car. Steven got out without looking at her and walked behind his car. He opened the trunk and reached inside.

 Disappointed that he hadn’t greeted her but curious about what he was doing, she joined him at his trunk. Steven was pulling something out of a crate. She gasped as soon as she recognized the long, wiggling mass.

“Look what my friend gave me.” Steven looked over at her. “Don’t worry. It’s friendly. You want to hold it?”

Tessy backed away, shaking her head. “That’s okay.”

“Come on, don’t be a chicken.” Steven smiled as he held out the snake. “You’re going to love how sleek if feels.”

“Don’t touch it,” came a soft voice next to her.

Startled, Tessy turned to her father. “I didn’t know you have followed me.”

“I –“

Steven’s loud voice drowned out whatever her father was going to say. “Come on, Baby, we don’t have all night.”

“Don’t touch it,” her father repeated.

But Tessy ignored him as she reached to touch the snake. Steven smiled as he handed it to her. Tessy returned his smile as she watched the snake coil and uncoil itself around her arm. It was colder than she expected, but just as smooth as Steven had promised.

Suddenly the snake writhed sharply. Startled, she dropped it, but not before its fangs grazed her arm. “Ow!”

“Hey!” Steven shouted. He lunged for the snake, grabbing its tail as it tried to disappear under the car. Pulling it out, he shoved it back in the crate. Then he turned on Tessy, “How could you drop it like that? It almost got away.”

“It bit me.” She held out her arm to him, but he turned away and slammed the trunk.  Without looking at her, he headed back to the driver’s seat. “You coming or what?”

Turning to her father, Tessy said, “This is your fault. You were supposed to protect me.”

“I tried but you wouldn’t listen to me. You chose Steven’s word over mine.”

His words gripped her heart. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Will you take care of this for me? It really hurts.”

Putting his arm around her, he said, “Come back to the house with me.”

The car roared to life, making Tessy jump. She pulled away from her father. “I can’t right now, but just as soon as I get home, okay?” Without waiting for a response, she hurried to the passenger side and jumped in.

“Be back by ten,” her father called as he stepped out of the way.

Steven backed out and took off down the road, his tired screeching almost as loud as his engine. A few minutes later, they got to the highway and he turned to her. “Ten o’clock? Did he mean that?”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Tessy answered. “But don’t worry about it. Whatever time I get home will be okay. I’ll just apologize and he’ll forgive me. He always does.”

Steven put his free hand on her leg. “This is going to be a great night.”

Tessy covered his hand with her own. Relaxing back in her seat, she agreed. “It sure will.”

Malachi 1:6a

A son honors his father and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts…

God was speaking to the priests about offering blemished animals in their sacrifices to Him. But as I look around at Christians today, I wonder if He wouldn’t say the same thing to us? Do those of us who know Him and claim to follow Jesus really respect Him? Or do we take God for granted, relying on His love and mercy to cover our self-centered decisions? Do we fear Him as Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul did? Or are we arrogant because of our status as His children?

Let’s be courageous enough to pray like David did in Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

And to do like Paul said in 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see if whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,

“Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,

on the day of testing in the wilderness,

where your fathers put me to the test

and saw my works for forty years.

Therefore I was provoked with that generation,

and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart;

they have not known my ways.’

As I swore in my wrath,

‘They shall not enter my rest.’”

Take care my brothers, lets there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called, “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:7-14

A Story of Running From God

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parables, My ThoughtsLeave a comment

Christian loved God and professed to follow Jesus. He enjoyed his life and lived according to Biblical principles. One day, God interrupted his life. He said, “Hey, Christian! See those people in high places? Those people who live in the spotlight, surrounded by many admirers? Politicians, athletes, famous people, and other people of great influence? Go to them and call them out for their sins because I’ve had enough of their evil.” But Christian didn’t want to hear that word. He was afraid he’d end up looking like a fool if they heeded his warning and God relented on the disaster He planned for them. So, he ran from God thinking if he blended in with other people, God wouldn’t see him. He found a group that would serve his need. Compromising his values and adopting their values was a steep price which he willingly paid if it got him away from God’s presence.

But God saw and sent a great wind upon the land and there were mighty storms – earthquakes, wind storms, fires, droughts, pestilence – so that the people’s lives were in danger of being destroyed. The people cried out to all kinds of things seeking a savior. New age practices, pagan gods, crystals, social activism, political actions, religious observances, and fortune tellers were called on night and day. The people even gave up basic necessities and rights in their effort to survive. Nothing worked.

Meanwhile, Christian ignored everything. Focused on his own needs and desires, he was no longer awake to the voice of the Lord and was unaware that the storm was anything out of the ordinary. When the people brought his attention to it, he recognized what was going on but remained silent until the people figured out that the storms had something to do with him. At that point he admitted he was running from God. The people, seizing on this ray of hope that they would be able to stop the storms, grilled Christian until they finally asked point blank, “What do we need to do to stop it?” Christian, knowing he had to directly confront the consequence of his action, told them that he would have to die to himself. Maybe then, God would relent.

But that made no sense to the people and they refused to accept Christian’s way; instead, they continued to seek their own way to end the storm. Eventually, when it was clear their efforts were in vain, they did as Christian said. They freed him to go do what he needed to do. Instantly the winds were stilled. The people were amazed at the power of God and turned to Him with fear and trembling. However, it wasn’t over for Christian. He had to spend time alone with God until his stubborn pride was broken and his attitude was realigned with His. Humble and sorry for having run, he returned to his life.

God again spoke to him, “Hey, Christian! See those people of great influence? Go to them and call them out for their sins because I’ve had enough of their evil.” This time Christian obeyed. He spoke to everyone he could, warning them if they didn’t change their ways, God was going to bring disaster upon them. He was later dismayed that everyone believed him. As the result, the leaders and celebrities believed the Word, humbled themselves, and repented. And sure enough, God relented and no disaster fell on them.

Sound crazy? Like a fairy tale? Not to Jonah (see the book of Jonah in the Old Testament).

The Bible says, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4). What if one of the reasons the story of Jonah was written was to give us insight into a side of God we don’t hear preached about very often today? What if by compromising with the world, blending in instead of standing out, we Christians have brought down the storms that blow around us? Maybe not entirely, but certainly our rebellious disobedience to Biblical teaching has a far-reaching consequence. And maybe, if we who call ourselves Christians humbled ourselves, repented from our compromises and rebellion, and obeyed His command even at the cost of our lives, would God intervene and calm the storms that rage across the world today? Would that result in the leaders and celebrities believing the Word and calling for the repentance of everyone in their circles of influence?

It’s an interesting thought.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20