As you pass my office door do not see all the artwork as clutter. These are valued kids’ creations that I have come to cherish through the years. These are the masterpieces of our little ones here at Poplar Springs that I have plastered and hidden throughout my workspace. They remind me each day how wise, caring, and loving our children can be, not to mention how fun they are.
As I did last week, I will try to preserve some element of anonymity to protect the innocent. So today as I refer to the artwork of one who goes by the name Bryson. I know it was a Bryson: I just don’t know which one, M— or M— or S— or P—-!!! The words on the piece are quite revealing. It is the portrayal of a rather distressed individual and the words…HELP ME! My initial interpretation was that it was obviously a mother on any given Sunday morning, or perhaps it was a cry from a father on a similar Sunday when he assumes the role as “Head Cowpoke” in “The Lord’s Day Rodeo.” I have been there before, and my neighbors at that time could have possibly heard my own cry for help. I think, however, it was a reference to one of my sermon illustrations or perhaps a comment from one or your fellow parishioners as they wondered when the aforementioned sermon would end.
Have you ever taken the time to read the Psalms? By reading them I mean taking the words to heart trying to feel the desperation in the sentiments expressed? Many of the Psalms are cries for help for a variety of reasons. It could be the cry for help from a person like David who struggled with his sin and the consequences of his behavior, “help me, God… I have messed up.” Maybe the cry for help is one where the Psalmist is feeling threatened by an adversary or a situation, “help me God…I don’t have the strength to face this alone.” Often these cries for help are seen as a last resort. Kind of like the song that includes the words, “where could I go but to the Lord!” The fact is, however, that God is our first resort. In the story of Peter walking on the water, we have the case of one who simply bit off more than he could chew. Peter created a dilemma for himself. He was one who was rather impulsive and at times liked to flex his leadership muscles and exhibit his spiritual superiority.
Peter and his fellow disciples of Jesus were traveling in their boat without the Savior at that time. While on the sea, they spot a figure in the distance and he is walking on the water. The disciples’ very human response was, “this must be a ghost.” It was then that Jesus responded, “Don’t be afraid it’s me, Jesus.” At this point, I am sure at least one of the followers must have mumbled (and this is mere speculation) “That’s easy for Him to say!” Peter sees an opportunity to impress (once again speculation) and he cries out to Jesus, “Okay if it’s you, tell me to walk to you on the water,” and Jesus shared a word that put some fear in the impulsive disciples’ bones, “Come on Peter.” Peter stepped out of the boat and was immediately greeted by high winds and intimidating waves. Peter did not measure the water temperature or try to determine wind direction. He cried out for help, “Lord save me!!!” Jesus took proud Peter by the hand and saved him and said, “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?”
I guess what I am trying to say is that this most valuable piece of artwork is a reminder that I need help, you need help, and we all need help. LORD HELP US!!! AND HE WILL!!!
ANDY O