Purpose
Easter, 2022
That Mule, old Rivers, and Me
By Stephen L. Wilmeth
God is
in control, and … the Lord is leading me.
~ Scottie Scheffler, 2022 Master’s winner
The most
sacred of all celebratory days has graced our world once again. In the Judeo-Christian
cultures, it was a shared event. To those of the Jewish faith, it was Passover
and the celebration of their liberation from Egyptian slavery. To those of our
Christian faith, it was the glory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the
triumph of good over evil, sin, and death.
Purpose
There is a
nagging discomfort in trying to understand the world and how scripture applies
to all things. It is a lifelong struggle, and, about the time some things seem
clear, an event or some interaction will reshuffle how we’d really like to
handle it all. Too often, the reaction is not kind or graceful.
Lately, the seeking of like minded
brethren has become very important to me. I admit such a relationship and the
comparison is a place, a sanctuary of comfort. This modern idea of a safe place
isn’t a preferred comparison, but maybe that is what it is. The continuation of
confrontation in all forms can be overwhelming. I am weary and I think you are,
too.
One of these days I’m a gonna’
climb that mountain …
Romans 5:15 reminds us the God of
endurance and of encouragement gives to us the lesson to be like minded to one
another according to Jesus Christ. I’ll interpret that to mean the need to
always preface where we are coming from isn’t necessary. If we accept those
into our midst who understand and believe, there is no need to defend or argue
our position.
Walk up there among them clouds
…
2 Corinthians 13:11 tells us to
rejoice, be perfected and comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and
our God of love and peace will be with us. In this endless evil and divided
chaos around us, we can still find peace among ourselves, those that we are
implored to seek out and rely upon.
Where the cotton’s high and the
corn’s a growin’ …
Philippians 2:2 instructs us to be
mindful of our all-powerful God’s expectations, too. Make my joy full by
being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind.
I believe that sets forth the fact that the world can be set ablaze, and we can
still and always rely upon and find solace among ourselves, believers and
brethren.
And, there ain’t no fields to
plow …
Philippians 2:20 offers a harsh
reality. If our attention is outward and toward this world only, our sanctuary
is all for not. For I have no one else like minded, who will really care
about you (us).
The Mule, old Rivers, and Me
The song by that name and narrated
by Walter Brennen is the only narrated song of such songs that seems never to get
old. It is powerful in symbolism.
I didn’t know that mule or Old
Rivers, and I was not a boy that walked behind on that plowed ground, but each
is there in our history. The story and the image of the song is a reminder of
our western existence. We toil, we reflect, and we realize that someday, sooner
or later, we face a similar fate.
Old Rivers was a friend of mine
…
The foregoing, concluding image is
scripturally related. In 1 Peter 3:8, a wonderful reminder is given to us. Finally,
be all like minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tender hearted, and
courteous.
My pastor will remind me the
message is universal, but it is also singular in assurance. We can only count
on certain things and the greater world is not one of them. Our like minded
brethren are our safe place, and, together … we should celebrate the victory
that is ours in Jesus Christ.
Stephen
L. Wilmeth is a rancher from southern New Mexico. “There are those of us who
were last of the generation that knew or had glimpses of the characters of Old
Rivers and that boy. Those were the times of Easter Sunrise Services, Wednesday
night prayer meetings, and picnics following the Easter celebration at church. Those
were good times, and those were good people. They would have known the response
from the greeting offered by brothers and sisters, and would have responded …
He is Risen, indeed!”
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