The Only One, December 2022
On one of my many walks here in Bothell, I headed down to the Sammamish Slough. It was a lovely day and I wanted to walk on the trail alongside and smell the water and enjoy the peace such a walk gives me, even in this urban area of ours. A flock of sparrows flew in front of me and landed on the railing overlooking Bothell Way and the very lazy, slow-moving stream underneath. A bright flash of green caught my eye and sure enough, an “escapee” was part of the group. It did “stick out,” but not like a “sore thumb.” The parakeet was flying with a group that was very different and apparently was doing quite well, for the time being. It still retained its identity. Yes, it was the only one…
Have you ever found yourself in a group situation and you are the “one and only _______?”
I have been the only Adventist, the only Christian, the only person who didn’t drink alcohol, the only redhead, the only vegetarian, and so forth at the workplace and among other groups. It is an isolating type of thought pattern that leads me to focus on myself.
Elijah, after his Mt. Carmel experience, having fled from the wrath of Jezebel, ends up in a cave telling the LORD, “’I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Yor prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.’” (I kings 19:14, NKJV)
After specific instructions, God who sees the bigger picture tells the prophet, “’Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’” (Verse 18)
In the Shoreline community, almost 63% choose to not attend any place of worship and 70+% have bachelor’s degrees or better. This presents a challenge for us as we witness and proclaim the 2nd coming of our Lord, Jesus. Yet, there are those who are searching for and may even have a relationship with Him. May the LORD guide and lead us as we reach out to those who may appear to be different but may hold some amazing surprises for us! MB
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, And then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 NKJV
Merry Christmas Everyone!