Since God has rescued us from the bondage to sin, forgiven us, and brought us into His family, grateful obedience should be our response.
From Acts 5:17-21: “Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, ‘Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.’ When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.”
From 2 Samuel 1:2: “On the third day, a man came from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground and did obeisance [extending respect].”
The chosen hymn to accompany this poem’s message is “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us.” The lyrics were crafted by English poet and hymn writer, Eliza S. Alderson (1818-1889). This video is presented by Mary Munson.
From Exodus 14:13-14: “But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.'”
From Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.”
From Romans 8:27: “And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
A wise, mature owl is hunting at night in the 500-acre woods. As usual, his prey will be one of the smallest creatures in the forest.
A tiny, frightened mouse has been darting behind every shadow in the woods. He’s forgotten just how far away he really is from the family home where everyone is sleeping safe and sound.
With better than perfect night vision, the owl spots the mouse. His hiding place has been discovered, and soon the owl will be feasting on him.
Just as the owl prepares to grab him with his sharp talons, the mouse instinctively jumps into a nearby hollow log. The owl appears dumbstruck for now.
The mouse calls out from his secure hiding place, “Hey buddy, I hear there’s a daytime job available in the 500-acre woods.”
The curious owl answers, “Please tell me more.”
Meanwhile he positions himself on top of the log. The next several seconds will count mightily if the mouse is to survive.
Trying to calm his frazzled nerves, the mouse continues, “Okay, the main office is looking for a branch manager to watch over the woods during the daytime.”
Forgetting his hunger for a moment, the owl asks, “Are free meals included with the position?”
The mouse quickly adds, “Why certainly! I’ve heard that a fresh supply of rabbit stew will be served every morning.”
The owl thinks for a second or two. The shivering mouse’s energy is almost spent, and he feels there is no escape.
The owl responds one final time, “Rabbit stew? I haven’t tasted it for quite some time. I accept the position.”
The overwhelmed mouse begins to relax, and let’s down his guard. As he begins to move out from the log, the owl prepares to strike.
Filled with a dark premonition, suddenly time pauses. The cautious mouse freezes just inside of the log.
The famished owl whispers, “I’ve never really liked rabbit stew.”
From Galatians 4:4-5: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.”
From 1 John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
You know the human response to panic? First, we are afraid. Second, we run. Third, we fight. Fourth, we tell everybody. God’s counsel is just the opposite. Don’t be afraid. Stand still. Watch Him work. Keep quiet. It’s then that He does it. He takes over!
From Exodus 14:13: “But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today, for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again.'”
Big Sky Buckeye 