When That Beer Truck Comes

12-12-12

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

                       

                Years ago when I worked at the library I used to be concerned about projects that I would be working on. I would think, “What if a beer truck hits me after I leave? No one will know what I was working on and this worthy project will never be finished.” So, frequently I would tell my boss, “In case I get hit by a beer truck, let me show you what I’m doing here.” I’m not sure why I was convinced my demise would be caused by a runaway beer truck, but that’s the way it was.

                So where’s the spiritual lesson in this?

                For quite some time I have been thinking about the song that says, “May He find me in my place.” We just sang it again in church Sunday. I’ve had somewhat of an idea of what “my place” is and what it is not. When I was at the young people’s campout at Mingo Creek there was a terrible thunderstorm in the middle of the night. There was the crash of thunder and lightning, the rain was coming down in torrents, and the wind was gusting like crazy. Despite being in my tiny little tent under the trees, I felt no fear. I prayed and told myself, “I am in my place.” I was comforted.

                David was not in his place when he faced his great temptation with Bathsheba. He was home when he was supposed to be off with the soldiers under his command. Jonah was not in his place when he got on a ship to Tarshish, trying to escape and avoid doing what God had commanded him. We know how that worked out. I’m sure there are other examples in the bible of people who were in their place or not in their place.

                So what is “my place?” I believe it is where the will of God would have me to be. It may be a geographical location. It may be a state of mind, an attitude. If I have an attitude of bitterness, am I in my place? If I fail to have an attitude of thankfulness, am I in my place? If I miss a church service because of a toe-ache and then go out for ice cream, am I in my place? I am certain I am not in my place in any of those circumstances.

                When that beer truck comes, may He find me in my place.

When My King Shall Call for Me

In a cheery way let me toil each day,

Helping others lovingly,

With my work well done at the set of sun,

When my King shall call for me.

May He find me in my place,

When my King shall call for me;

With a loyal heart doing well my part

When my King shall call for me.