The Theft

My brother in law, Paul, and I have deer hunted together on the Friday after Thanksgiving for the last several years. It has become a ritual that has bettered our relationship not only as brothers-in-law, but as brothers in Christ. I love our time together and regret that we can't do it more often. It is always a wonderful time.

This past Friday, I took him to his stand and then walked to mine. Carefully and quietly I slipped into the wood line to my tree. I had carefully placed a lock-on stand and steps earlier in the year. The place was ideal. Three deer trails converged just below my stand. There was so much deer traffic that they needed a traffic light to manage them! It was perfect. In the darkness, I found the tree. I looked for my hoist rope that I use to pull up my bow. Hmmm. It was gone. Maybe a squirrel chewed it off, I guessed. Where are the steps, I wondered. Certainly a squirrel didn't chew them off. I looked up. Wait a minute! Where is my stand? It was gone! Someone had stolen it.

I seethed. I scowled. My blood pressure was off the charts. I could not see straight. I could not think straight. I was bad. Someone had trespassed. Someone had stolen... from ME! Someone had ruined my hunt. I was violated. I was victimized. (I am not used to being a "victim".) Yet, here I am, still upset as I think about it. Have you had anyone steal from you? How did it feel? Were you as angry as I am?

I struggled to find some meaning to my hurt. As always, God is faithful. God does speak to us when we are desperate. I prayed. I questioned. I wrestled. Finally, I heard that small voice of God. I felt the reality of John 10:10, "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly." I began to realize that the antithesis of "theft" is "gift". All the while I had been stewing over a theft, I was forgetting the gifts. I have certainly received more than has ever been stolen. Even that tree-stand was a gift from a friend. Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, just-because gifts, and appreciation gifts have blessed me for my entire lifetime. Truly I have received more than has been taken away. Jesus reminds us that he does not give as the world gives, instead, Jesus gives peace.

I have received peace, even as I write this article. I have received salvation through the blood of Jesus. I have received forgiveness for my own trespasses against others. (May God forgive the thief who took my stand.) I have received beautiful children from my beautiful wife. I have received an education from my loving parents and erudite professors. I have received a blessing from this great church from the Christ that lives in each of you. I have been given much.

As you celebrate the Christmas season, please consider what God has given you. Come share with me your joys of salvation and your excitement over the gospel.