Perilous Times

By Rob Redden "For you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:10 NAS).     The Jews looked down on the Gentiles, the Gentiles loathed the Jews, and the Pharisees despised the Jewish common folk. There was plenty of loathing back then as there is today. But the Lord makes a difference, changing self-loathing people into valued souls. Jesus died for sinners.     The Broadway musical Man of LaMancha, with its theme song, “To Dream the Impossible Dream,” featured a ridiculous knight named Don Quixote. He rides through the Spanish countryside mistaking windmills for giants. During his adventures he meets a cheap woman in a tavern. Any man can have this woman for one night, but no man wants her for life. Then Don Quixote rides into town. The people treat her like dirt. But Don Quixote bows before her as though she were a queen. She puts herself down, but he lifts her up. When she finally is convinced that he really believes in her, she begins to believe in herself. She found a friend who says she is priceless even when she feels worthless.     This story was told several times at a Marriage Encounter seminar Linda and I attended many years ago; it has left an indelible impression on us. We are here to help others to see themselves as lovable souls and give them hope. We may make a difference in the lives of those who sadly see themselves as losers.     Christian, let’s look past the veneer and see how damaged a precious soul is because of his or her past, and see that just a caring, loving helping hand may change a soul’s life for the Lord.

- Rob Redden preaches for the Grover Beach Church of Christ in Grover Beach, CA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - www.groverbeachchurchofchrist.com