Mid Week Epistole "A Pain Filled Shout"

Our Preacher who welcomed into our newest church home, retired last year. He still does a weekly mid week epistole. I want to share this week's with you. Jim is a great guy and we miss him and Charlotte dearly. He always seems to know what is speaking right to my heart.

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A Pain Filled Shout
There is a story told about a young boy named Billy who was attending his first day at Junior High. It began with an opening assembly, one feature of which was the introduction for all the home room teachers. First to be introduced was Miss Smith, and the 9th graders, knowing Miss Smith to be an easy grader and not much of a disciplinarian, all began to cheer: "Yah, Miss Smith! Right on, Miss Smith!"
The next to be introduced was Mr. Brown, who was a young and popular teacher and a special favorite. This time, the 8th graders joined in the thundering approval: "Yah, Mr. Brown. Hurrah for Mr. Brown!"
By the time the next teacher was introduced, even the new 7th graders were getting into the spirit of things. Then they introduced Mr. Johnson, an older teacher who was reputed to be the hardest grader and least sympathetic teacher in the school.
The cat calls began: "Boo, Mr. Johnson, hiss, hiss, boo! Mr. Johnson." The pain was evident on old Mr. Johnson's face.
Suddenly Billy stood up in the middle of the bleachers and shouted, "Shut up! He's my father!" The noise instantly died down, as the word was passed -- "Hey, cool it, Johnson's son is here."
I can just imagine how the pain in Mr. Johnson's heart began to subside when his son spoke up, but can you ever imagine the strength that was needed by the son to call to the attention of the whole Junior High, how great his love was for his father.
If you were in the arena of the world and they were jeering Your Heavenly Father, would you stand up and witness who you are? "Hey, cool it, one of God's children is here."

Loving Father, forgive us for the times in which we have failed to be brave enough to stand before the world and proclaim our love for you. If we have been neglectful and let others feel alone and defeated, then let us boldly stand this day and tell the world who we are.
Give us that courage and strength, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

I'm Rev. Jim Massey, next week we will talk about half and half. Be sure that your voice today offers the praise that is worthy of a child of God. Grace and Peace.