Jesus on flight #869

He sat down next to me last night in 10B and immediately began reading his book, “Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets,” a 400-page book on the human condition.

“Looks like light reading” I said.  He laughed.  “What’s the book about?…and by the way my name is Drew.”  “hi, my name is Bill.”  And thus began our 3-hour journey last night on flight 897.

We skipped through the surface biographical details quickly.  60, widower, father of 3, insurance salesman.  He explained the book was a study on mass hysteria through the ages.  Before the wheels came up I asked Bill if he was a “man of faith?”  He seemed puzzled at first and then responded, “yes, but not how you might describe it.”

He explained how he thought there was no “time, movement, space, or reality.”  We are each living in our own reality, our own dreams, as we seek to be reconciled with God.

Oh…this should be fun.

I love asking people, “that’s fine, but may I share with you what the Bible has to say?”

I felt a bit like both being on the Road to Emmaus and David Phelp’s song as I turned to Bill and “opened up the book and began to read from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John… (and btw, praise God for my ESV iPhone app)

In those three hours we started with Abraham, Moses and all the prophets, and interpreted all the Scriptures through Christ.  We discussed God’s perfect creation, the fracture of that relationship, and God’s plan for reconciliation through His son.

He had never heard it before.

No “sinners prayer, Steps to Peace with God, or Roman Road.”  Just a late night conversation at 34,000 feet between two people seeking reconciliation.  The difference is Bill’s search for God starts and ends in himself and mine is in Christ.

Bill, Im praying you made it to Tucson safely.  Praying for your healing after the loss of your wife.  Praying for your children.  Praying God continues to reach down and pull you to Him.  And thanking God for the bliss of watching Him work in your life as you sat next to me.

People?  Does God feel distant to you?  Bring up the name of His Son in a conversation with a stranger.  God will appear.  Don’t miss that joy.

Eager To Do Good

by | Nov 12, 2024

Divine Appreciation: Embracing Unseen Acts of GoodasasdadadasThis is a devotional guide to “Eagerness To Do Good” in God’s eyes. It explores the biblical basis, seeks sole recognition from God, endures suffering for righteousness’ sake, and finds hope and identity in...