Jesus Stops

Living in rural Oregon, my daily commute to work in a neighboring small town is 11 miles of beautiful scenery. Each morning, the drive comes alive with a variety of grazing livestock and a tapestry of farmland. 

As I approach a corner country store a mile out of town, I begin to look for Bob. No, Bob isn’t his name, we’ve never met, I just nicknamed him. But when I see him walking with a cup of what I assume is coffee, I say a lil prayer over him, just a simple “Bless him God.”

Today was different. As I again neared the store, I could see Bob on his morning coffee run. I chose to pull over (hoping not to freak out the poor old guy). He casually sauntered over to my car. “I have an unusual request” I asked. “Okay” he said rather bewildered.

“What is your first name?” I asked.

“Keith” he replied.

“Kieth, I come through here every day on my way to work and when I see you, I pray for you”

“Thank you!” he said and asked my name as well. The shock on his face was worth the Jesus stop.

The Pastor of Hebrews wrote, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of our lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (13:15-16).

There wasn’t much sacrifice this morning, but I’m quite confident God was pleased with a smidge of good and proclaiming His name, as two complete strangers are now on a first name basis.

I will look for Keith tomorrow and the next day and he will be greeted with a hardy honk as I wave and pass on by, “Bless Keith, God.”

May we not shy away from brief Jesus stops.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24)