THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, August 22, 2022

Lord, the building manager stooped coming through the door. I immediately assumed he probably played basketball at some point in his life. He met me in the boiler room to discuss issues with the building’s backup generator. As we went over the generator problems, I sensed that he sensed I wanted to ask the questions he probably had been asked countless times.

“Do you mind if I ask how . . . “

“Six ten,” he said before I finished my question.

“Did you pl….”

“Vanderbilt.”

“Wow! Did you go . . . “

“Indiana Pacers.”

“What happ . . .”

“Blew my knee out. Bad back.”

He had the answers ready before I asked. No doubt his stature identified him as a basketball player.

Lord, I’m reminded of the message the apostle Peter sent to Christ-followers scattered among the nations. They stood out from the herd.  Despite harsh persecution, they were happy, joyful, not fearful of violating any of the 613 rules imposed on the people by the religious leaders. Peter urged believers to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Lord, as our 6’10” friend stood out from the herd, may we be identified as Christ-followers by living according to Your values and loving people as You love them. May we be eager to tell all who ask how You changed our lives and gave us a hope and a future. Jesus, as Your followers, we each have a story of redemption to tell—and it’s a good one. Amen