Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Isaiah 53:7

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

I had gone to visit a man on his farm. Just as I pulled into the driveway I saw a young man being assaulted by one of the farm residents. That is never what you expect to come upon.

He was a salesman, and he was standing with his back against his car door. I could tell that he wanted to get inside but was afraid of being attacked if he looked away. Fear was all over his face. I wasn’t sure what he had done to get in that situation, but knowing the angry guy in front of him; probably just getting out of his car stirred up all this trouble. There he was in his predicament: One scared young man, and an old Tom Turkey who was in a very “foul” mood, and ready to take it out on someone.

Some days just go that way. We all know people who go around with a chip on their shoulder, and are just looking for someone to take their anger out on. Who among us hasn’t had an unfriendly encounter that came out of the unexpected nowhere?

These things happened to Jesus almost daily, but he always stood up to it with grace. He taught us the power of Love, the reward of meekness, and the glory of the cross. Our society seems to be saying, “Put up your dukes,” but Jesus said, “Put away the sword.” Get out of the ruffled feather mode; it just makes a day miserable for everyone, and accomplishes nothing.

Anger and cruelty stop at the cross. Their dirty work ends there; they can do no more. Love never fails; it is greater than anything that anger and hatred can do. Love proves that meekness wins, and the glory of the Lord is forever.

We will either carry a chip and join the unrest of this world, or a cross and follow Christ in the more excellent way. What will it be?

If you are wondering what happened to the young salesperson. My farmer friend came out and ran off the turkey. The young man left without selling anything. I had a good cup of coffee, and the farmer joined the church. To quote Shakespeare, “All’s well that ends well.”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray (1/25/2019)