When Opportunity Knocks
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross
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Lately, the editor has provided a weekly theme,
and columnists are free to write on it or not.
This week's theme of "Waiting for the Master"
hasn't gotten much attention. Until today. Rush
over to today's article online, also, at the link
below and see the snake charmer there.
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COLUMN: Field Notes
When Opportunity Knocks
by Michael E. Brooks
"And you yourselves be like men who wait for their
master, when he will return from the wedding, that
when he comes and knocks they may open to him
immediately" (Luke 10:36).
Waiting for the Master to come may have a variety
of applications. Sometimes it is his final coming
that we anticipate and prepare for. At other times
it is a more temporal visitation, that of his
help, his comfort, or the opportunities for
service that he provides.
Edmund Cagle and I were in the Bangladesh village
of Dooley a few years ago, preparing to preach. A
decent crowd had gathered and we were ready to
rise and begin the lessons when someone came,
whispered something to one of the audience, and
suddenly all of the villagers got up and rushed
away. Edmund and I looked at each other in
puzzlement, wondering how we had offended them,
until the Bangla preacher who was guiding us said,
"A snake charmer has come and they have all gone
to watch him play with his snakes."
We walked to a nearby row of houses to find all
the village gathered to watch the charmer entrance
several cobras for some time. Just as he was
reaching the climax of his performance a woman ran
out of one of the houses with a child in her arms,
crying out in panic. Just as quickly as the
villagers had deserted our meeting, they abandoned
the snakes to rush to the aid of the distraught
mother. We joined them and inquired as to her
needs. The child was sick with fever and we gave
medicine, calmed the mother's fears, and restored
order. Meanwhile, the snake charmer shrugged,
packed his boxes, and left the village.
After a few minutes we went back to our original
site, the audience soon joined us, and we enjoyed
an afternoon of Bible study, resulting in several
baptisms.
Is there a spiritual lesson in that experience? I
am not sure, but I know that we did not panic or
give up on the situation. We allowed the villagers
time to determine what was of real value, and
eventually had a profitable day.
Circumstances often challenge us. Difficult
situations can discourage good works. Competition
from others creates doubt or even fear. We often
feel that our efforts are futile, that success is
not possible. Yet sometimes difficult
circumstances provide opportunity. At other times,
one must simply be patient and wait for the
Master's time to come.
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for
in due season we shall reap if we do not lose
heart" (Galatians 6:9).
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You can read this story online and leave your
comments at this address:
forthright.antville.org/stories/548793/
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