Out of the Pit
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.”
Psalm 34:7 (NASB)
My parents did not build their house on a wooded lot. They built it in the woods. There were so many trees felled to prepare the area that in order to save on cost, the builder buried the trees in various areas around the yard, rather than haul them away. As the years went by, the trees rotted and the ground above them sank. In time, there were several deep sink holes, primarily in the back of the yard, which ended up being a blessing in disguise.
During the rainy season, which seems to be every season here, the culverts prevent the accumulated torrent because of the rainfall from cascading down the hill and into the house. When dry, the ditches serve as a refuge for large and small animals including snakes (https://robert-a-l-blake.com/if-the-hose-moves/). I even spied a coyote hiding out among the bushes along the bank one day.
On a summer evening while cutting the lawn, I circled a tree near the culvert and lost control of the riding lawn mower, perhaps because of the speed I was going, as it was late in the evening, or because of a minor lapse of foresight. I miscalculated my correction and found myself and the machine careening headlong into the pit! I only had enough presence of mind to shut off the whirring mower blades as we descended.
Now near the bottom, only prevented by brush, I tried to reverse without success. I tried to rock the mower to no avail. It was then that I noticed the front wheels turned at a peculiar angle and would not straighten. Without thinking, I got off the mower and tried to move it, which at this point felt like a mass of lead, which was also stuck in mud. I then recognized where I was standing and figured it would be a matter of time before something realized my fate and would come to take advantage of me.
Finally, I could straighten the wheels and then pushed again only with minimal results. I exclaimed, “Jesus, help me!” and gave a final push. All four wheels turned as I pushed the tractor uphill and out of the pit! In my “moving company” days, I have used brute force to move sofas, appliances, and so forth, but this instance was beyond my brute strength as it had not worked.
I believe in angels and the power of prayer.
The prophet Daniel found himself in a pit overnight. We don’t know if they escorted, rappelled, or flung him headlong into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:16). We also don’t know if he prayed in desperation as he noticed his surrounding roommates, or did he simply continue his usual regimen of praying three times each day? What we know is that God answered his prayer and sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22).
What a privilege it is to know that God sees our plights, hears our prayers, and answers with our good in mind. What a wonderful God we serve!
Angels Amongst Us
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”
Hebrews 13:2 (NLT)
There is a kindness, attention, and even obligation that the Bible speaks to specifically pertaining to widows and orphans. One of the earliest references to this is in Exodus 22:22 where Moses admonishes the children of Israel shortly after they left captivity in Egypt. This is in direct correlation to their former plight as strangers there and serves as a specific warning against ill treatment with dire consequences for failure to adhere. Subsequently, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, he exhorts the people in Deuteronomy 14:29 regarding the extension of hospitality to widows and orphans. Thus, amidst the varied injunctions of health, stewardship, and continued faith commitment, there is pointed instruction on how to treat this prevalent vulnerable class in their midst.
The Bible is replete with reminders to God’s people of how they are to care for this group. Of particular mention is the newly formed Christian church in Acts 6, as they take on evangelizing the world. They took intentional pause and conducted careful, prayerful orchestration around the ministry of the church to widows, which has continued down throughout the ages. I witnessed this continued ministry in recent years after my father passed. At first, it was customary and well appreciated to receive the flowers, condolences, calls, and correspondence on behalf of my mother. Again, as per usual, these points of contact diminished, and then all but ceased; however, I then noticed a different, yet refreshing pattern. Every so often, there was a card in the mail addressed to my mom. At first, I thought, it is a church ministry, but then I noticed the persistency and consistency in not only the receipt of the affectionate tokens, but her response to them.
She looked expectantly for mail, these points of lights that brightened her day and let her know her labors at the church and in the community were worthwhile and meaningful, and that she was special. I also observed that these cards don’t end up with the rest of the mail, oh no, she keeps them in a special basket next to her favorite chair so she can have easy access to them.
Some of the dear church sisters I remember from when I grew up here, some of them I don’t know. Maybe they are not part of this specific church ministry, in fact, I know that some are not, but one thing I recognize is that the Bible also speaks of angels that take on human form (Hebrews 13:2).
I believe in angels. I also believe they walk amongst us and even send cards.