Encounter With the Pew: Devotions From the Psalms (23:5b)

by | Apr 19, 2020 | Devotions From the Psalms, Helping, Love

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Ps 23:5b, NIV)

As we saw last time, goodness and love can only be found through the One who demonstrated genuine love on the cross. He is the One who promised to send us His Holy Spirit to live in us, and He would be the One to guide us to the way of true love and goodness (See John 16:13). After all, the anointing of oil in Psalms 23 refers directly to God’s Holy Spirit! “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.” (1Sam 16:13, NIV2)

Last year, while rehearsing for an Easter play at our church, my wife had a brief and painful encounter with a church pew. She and her fellow cast-members were running down the aisle shouting “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” But before she knew it, she had a big goose egg growing on her left side of her face and a couple of cracked ribs. People around her encouraged her to go to the hospital. She declined. “If I go,” she said, “I will never be finished in time for the play tonight!” Love and goodness were filling her heart, for she wanted to share with others how much God loves us. She certainly couldn’t do that in the ER department of the local hospital!

I didn’t see my wife immediately upon my arrival at the church that evening. In fact, I didn’t see her until she came out on stage. I immediately noticed something unusual about her face, but at the distance and in the dim light, I just assumed it was make-up.

After the play, several of the cast members came up to talk to me. One was the person playing Jesus. He didn’t tell me about my wife’s encounter with the pew. Neither did her “husband” in the play. The one to tell me about my wife’s fall was the one who played the part of the devil…And he was very clear: “You should bring her to the hospital now”. This guy tends to be a teaser, and I thought he was pulling my leg. But when I finally saw my wife close up, I was shocked! Why hadn’t I noticed that huge, purple bump?

After several hours of waiting in the hospital lobby, she was eventually taken care of, and for the next two days, even though the black eye spread across to the other side of her face, she continued performing in the play. She even changed the script slightly to fit her circumstances! Nothing would stop her from being a witness, and this touched the heart of many. When faced with such a monstrosity decorating our faces, most of us would have hidden away from the public eye, but she didn’t. This is what happens when we are filled with the love from above. We can’t help but shine!

Just be careful the next time you go to church. These pews sure can be vicious!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Devotions From the Psalms” devotional series, please click here.)

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Encounter With the Pew: Devotions From the Psalms (23:5b)

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