SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2008

THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

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Dear Friends in Our Lord Jesus:

Several years ago, a friend in the Presbyterian ministry in Texas wrote a wonderful article about his little daughter.

It was a touching story about the little girl's first week in school -- a small elementary school a half-block from their home. And it focused on the familiar feelings of excitement, exhilaration, and apprehension that always accompany a child's first venture into academia.

It was also a story about faith.

One morning during that first week of school, the girl came running into the kitchen of their home. She had a big smile on her face, but she also looked a little worried. "What time is it, daddy?" she asked.

Glancing at his watch, the father replied: "It's 15 minutes until 8."

"Oh!" the girl shouted happily. "That means I've got to leave for school! Bye!" She gathered her backpack, giggled, blew a kiss to her dad, and headed merrily out the door. Here is where faith entered the story. The girl, by herself, did not know how to tell time. But she had "ears to hear," and she heard very clearly what her father said. Even more, she had complete, unconditional confidence in her father. She knew without hesitation that her father was trustworthy, that he would never lead her astray.

She HEARD his word. And she ACTED upon it. Unconditionally.

Our Father in heaven has given us His Word, too. He has called us into fellowship with Himself and with each other. And He has given us a message of HOPE and LOVE to share with the world. The only question is: Are we listening?

-- The Very Rev. Dr. Steve Sellers +