Today's Scripture readings: Psalm 17; 1 Chronicles 21:1-17; 1 John 2:1-6
And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the command to count the people? It is I who have sinned and done very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray, O Lord my God, be against me and against my father’s house; but do not let your people be plagued!” --1 Chronicles 21:1-17
Cody could feel his heart pounding as he lowered himself onto the angry bull. At only eighteen years of age, he may not have the experience of the older riders but bull riding is his passion. For Cody, the rodeo excitement is the same every time.
He felt the anger of the bull beneath him as the gate opened, and the animal began to thrash into the arena. Within a couple of seconds, Cody was caught off balance and began his fall to the dirt below. In that moment, Cody’s world disappeared into darkness.
From the stands, Cody’s dad, Landis, watched as his son hit the ground, and every fiber of his being willed the boy to get up… but Cody didn’t move. Landis instantly realized the massive bull was still angry and thrashing, and now had lowered his head and was headed straight toward the lifeless Cody. He didn’t have time to think as he hurdled the arena fence and pounced on top of his son covering Cody’s body with his own just as the massive animal connected. Dad took the brunt of the headbutt – a punishing blow that was meant for his son.
When I read that news story from a couple of days ago, I was intrigued by the depth of a father’s love. While I cannot speak for my own quick thinking and selfless actions, I have no doubt that my own children have such a father. Would it even occur to me to jump in front of a charging bull? I’d like to think so, but I’m afraid my body and my mind would be frozen in place unable to form a plan of action.
Cody was on the verge of a very damaging outcome when his father intervened, and I find myself recalling another story that might had ended differently without selfless intervention.
The beginning of David’s story in 1st Chronicles 21 is unlike Cody’s in that David had intentionally placed himself against God, and the Israelites were caught off guard paying the price for David’s disobedience. Where I see similarity is later in the story when David places himself directly between an angry God and the Israelite children. As a very displeased God strikes out against Israel, David falls on his face and cries out to God: “Let your hand be against me… but do not let your people be plagued!” David was willing to take the brunt of God’s punishing blow that was meant for God’s people. Even though David had caused the troubles in the first place, his Landis-like heart emerged and selflessly pounced on top of the problem diverting the angry energy away from the intended target.
Cody and Landis both walked away from that bull unscathed because of the love of one for the other. Landis would do it again; Cody will always regard his dad with honor. David also walked away even though he was wounded in the process. His heart was battered, but in the end, through selfless intervention, he gained a better understanding of the love he had for his Father.
As we move further into the days of Lent, may our thoughts and our actions be those of God’s servants. May we claim the purity of heart that sends us willingly into the direct path of charging evil, and may we – with God’s help – come out unscathed.
Protective Father, as I am battered each day with what feels like a ton of evil, may I turn my heart to you selflessly and cover others in love. Amen.
And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the command to count the people? It is I who have sinned and done very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray, O Lord my God, be against me and against my father’s house; but do not let your people be plagued!” --1 Chronicles 21:1-17
Cody could feel his heart pounding as he lowered himself onto the angry bull. At only eighteen years of age, he may not have the experience of the older riders but bull riding is his passion. For Cody, the rodeo excitement is the same every time.
He felt the anger of the bull beneath him as the gate opened, and the animal began to thrash into the arena. Within a couple of seconds, Cody was caught off balance and began his fall to the dirt below. In that moment, Cody’s world disappeared into darkness.
From the stands, Cody’s dad, Landis, watched as his son hit the ground, and every fiber of his being willed the boy to get up… but Cody didn’t move. Landis instantly realized the massive bull was still angry and thrashing, and now had lowered his head and was headed straight toward the lifeless Cody. He didn’t have time to think as he hurdled the arena fence and pounced on top of his son covering Cody’s body with his own just as the massive animal connected. Dad took the brunt of the headbutt – a punishing blow that was meant for his son.
When I read that news story from a couple of days ago, I was intrigued by the depth of a father’s love. While I cannot speak for my own quick thinking and selfless actions, I have no doubt that my own children have such a father. Would it even occur to me to jump in front of a charging bull? I’d like to think so, but I’m afraid my body and my mind would be frozen in place unable to form a plan of action.
Cody was on the verge of a very damaging outcome when his father intervened, and I find myself recalling another story that might had ended differently without selfless intervention.
The beginning of David’s story in 1st Chronicles 21 is unlike Cody’s in that David had intentionally placed himself against God, and the Israelites were caught off guard paying the price for David’s disobedience. Where I see similarity is later in the story when David places himself directly between an angry God and the Israelite children. As a very displeased God strikes out against Israel, David falls on his face and cries out to God: “Let your hand be against me… but do not let your people be plagued!” David was willing to take the brunt of God’s punishing blow that was meant for God’s people. Even though David had caused the troubles in the first place, his Landis-like heart emerged and selflessly pounced on top of the problem diverting the angry energy away from the intended target.
Cody and Landis both walked away from that bull unscathed because of the love of one for the other. Landis would do it again; Cody will always regard his dad with honor. David also walked away even though he was wounded in the process. His heart was battered, but in the end, through selfless intervention, he gained a better understanding of the love he had for his Father.
As we move further into the days of Lent, may our thoughts and our actions be those of God’s servants. May we claim the purity of heart that sends us willingly into the direct path of charging evil, and may we – with God’s help – come out unscathed.
Protective Father, as I am battered each day with what feels like a ton of evil, may I turn my heart to you selflessly and cover others in love. Amen.