Page 7 - Good News March 2010 paper

fter a few of the usual "As the father yelled out, 'I love
Sunday evening hymns, you son!' he threw the line to his
Athe church's pastor once son's friend. By the time he
again slowly stood up, walked to pulled the friend back to the
the pulpit, and gave a very brief capsized boat, his son had 1. Seek God's wisdom to be able to make wise
introduction of his childhood disappeared beyond the raging decisions you won't have to worry about.
friend. swells into the black of the "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth
With that, an elderly man stepped night. His body was never come knowledge and understanding; He
up to the pulpit to speak. "A father, recovered." stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He
his son, and a friend of his son By this time, the two teenagers is a shield to those who walk uprightly."
were sailing off the Pacific were sitting straighter in the (Proverbs 2:6-7. The book of Proverbs
Coast," he began, "when a fast pew, waiting for the next words contains much of this wisdom.)
approaching storm blocked any to come out of the old man's
attempt to get back to the shore. mouth. 2. Put God first.
The waves were so high, that even "The father," he continued,
though the father was an "knew his son would step into "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall
experienced sailor, he could not eternity with Jesus, and he we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What
keep the boat upright, and the could not bear the thought of his son's friend shall we wear?' For after all these things the
three were swept into the ocean." stepping into eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father
The old man hesitated for a sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that knows that you need all these things.
moment, making eye contact with He should do the same for us." "But seek first the kingdom of God and His
With that, the old
two teenagers who were, for the man turned and sat down in his chair as silence filled righteousness, and all these things shall be
first time since the service began, the room. Within minutes after the service ended, added to you. Therefore do not worry about
looking somewhat interested in the two teenagers were at the old man's side. tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its
his story. "That was a nice story," started one of the boys own things. Sufficient for the day is its own
He continued, "Grabbing a rescue politely, but I don't think it was very realistic for a trouble" (Matthew 6:31-34).
line, the father had to make the father to give up his son's life in the hope that the
most excruciating decision of his other boy would become a Christian."
life… To which boy would he "Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, 3. Trade anxiety for prayerful, thankful trust,
throw the other end of the line? He glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile and God will give you His peace.
only had seconds to make the broadened his narrow face, and he once again "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
decision. The father knew that his looked up at the boys and said: "It sure isn't very prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
son was a Christian, and he also realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you let your requests be made known to God; and
knew that his son's friend was that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must the peace of God, which surpasses all under-
not. The agony of his decision have been like for God to give up His Son for me. You standing, will guard your hearts and minds
could not be matched by the see… I WAS THE SON'S FRIEND!" through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
torrent of the waves. [Courtesy of Bill Kelly]