We’re still in Oregon, departing today. We’ll head to Napa where Anne will host a printmaking workshop for a number of artists gathered there.
The time here has been profitable in many ways, some in the big “hoped for” ways, others in smaller, unexpected ways, like coming across a book in a used book store with a message from God.
The same happened last time we were here. I don’t know if this town has an abundance of Christian readers, or a population of such now casting them off. Either way, I’ve added to my library cheaply with some gems. And not just the library but the mind, which is the point, and the spirit.
If God is guide in all things, I suppose there should be no surprise. But imagine mine when, after all my recent reflection on voluntary slavery to the Lord of the Universe, even piercing my ear as symbol and reminder, I happened by a sidewalk bin of free books, picked one up, opened it randomly and read the following:
“When we think of a servant, in our sense of the word, we think of a man who gives a certain agreed part of his time to his master and who receives a certain agreed wage for doing so. Within that agreed time he is at the disposal and in the command of his master. But, when that time ends, he is free to do exactly as he likes . . . . But, in Paul’s time, the status of the slave was quite different. Quite literally he had no time which belonged to himself. He had no moment when he was free. Every single moment of his time belonged to his master. He was the absolutely exclusive possession of his master, and there was not one single moment of his life when he could do as he liked. In Paul’s time a slave could never do what he liked; it was impossible for him to serve two masters, because he was the exclusive possession of one master. That is the picture that is in Paul’s mind.”**
I was stunned. How did the air know I’d been thinking on these things? Apparently it’s literal, in God we live and move and have our being.***
I took the book and have been eating it since. As it happens, that passage was the only one on that specific topic, making my happening on it all the more, what? Guided?
The book goes on to explain how the analogy isn’t perfect, the Christian being also the freest person in the world . . . and the one that can most expect to be provided for, and rewarded as he goes along.
Like finding a book on the street whose message carries more value than anything I might have thought I’d traveled a long way to get.
For you, too.
__________________
* Walt Whitman, quoted in an early Blank Slate, Jan. 8, 2012.
** William Barclay, in a book on the Holy Spirit by Billy Graham.
*** Acts 17:28
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
7:40 am
Just as his eye is on the sparrow, it is on each of us, knowing our needs and wants and the desires of our hearts. We just need to be on the lookout continuously for His gifts to us!
6:17 pm
I may need to blog this from you , Barbara. May I?
7:52 am
Thanks for that good word. Adds some weight to the earring.
Give my love to Napa, my home town. Wish I was attending Anne’s printmaking workshop.
8:01 am
“Christian being also the freest person in the world . . . and the one that can most expect to be provided for, and rewarded as he goes along.”
This is a pearl–going to treasure it!
Jame
8:13 am
You’re a soul in full-sail, Hyatt! What are the chances of you stumbling upon that book, that passage? God seems to have his general Word, applying Truth to humanity globally, but he also has his personal Word, where he so creatively connects with us intimately and uniquely in ordinary, yet extraordinary ways. I call these, “Narnia moments.” May more come your way! Enjoy the Napa Valley, one of Alison’s and my favorite places.
9:18 am
Thank you! I love how God does that. Thank you for sharing with us all.
11:48 am
The quote “That is the picture that is in Paul’s mind” puts impossible to serve 2 masters into full perspective; but we must choose daily. Thank you for sharing your fortune.
6:20 pm
Such good fortune, as you are to me.
10:43 pm
Simply wonderful! This gift from God right to you and then to us! Thank you Hyatt!!!
11:46 pm
Amazing truth! Love this one.
6:39 am
From Exo. 21 “I love my Master”, a contract forever witnessed by that hole in my ear. O ‘ to be faithful to a loving Master.
5:57 am
You treasure Him … He treasures you!
I love those God moments where He shows Himself so personal.