Never Walk Alone
Several weeks ago our family attended a birthday party hosted by dear friends of ours for their daughter. We had a blast playing all sorts of games, but I think the overall crowd favorite was the three-legged race. I think we spectators enjoyed it much more than the participants! I stood on the sidelines and laughing as I held my sides, thoroughly enjoying the show.
Several of these kids had never played "old-fashioned" games, therefore had no clue of the sheer strategy it takes to succeed at a three legged race.
As is typical, it started off well, which lasted all of about one step before some of the partners encountered trouble! Those who started out of the gate fast, usually didn't finish first.
As is typical, it started off well, which lasted all of about one step before some of the partners encountered trouble! Those who started out of the gate fast, usually didn't finish first.
Some got ahead of their partners causing one of the pair or both to stumble. At times the one still standing would stop and wait for the other, and even raise their partner to their feet, but there were other teams who had one member so focused on the finish line that they kept going, dragging their teammate behind with all their might. It often didn't seem to matter that the other person was yelling out, "Wait! Stop! Slow Down!" Fueling my laughter all the more!
Since there was an odd number of children, Todd agreed to be Brenna's partner. I could hear him coaching her as they waited for "go", telling her the best way to make it to the other side. They traveled step by step, his arm across her shoulders and her arm around his waist, joy on their faces. I don't remember if they ever won a round, but they finished together.
She and he enjoyed every step.
Tied together.
Working as one.
One never getting ahead of the other.
Bonded by a single strip of fabric and their willingness to take a step only with the other.
She and he enjoyed every step.
Tied together.
Working as one.
One never getting ahead of the other.
Bonded by a single strip of fabric and their willingness to take a step only with the other.
And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. -- Luke 1:38
Isn't a bondslave a strange thing to call yourself?
I guess at first thought it is, but when I really stopped and thought about what Mary was saying, it was the perfect thing to call herself. Referring to herself as a bondslave was her way of expressing her willingness to be obedient to Him and His plan. The angel had just revealed this impossible-without-God plan to her (he actually says that in the verse before), and she submits herself completely to the journey He had planned for her, calling herself a bondslave.
The original word for bondslave was doulos which meant to be a slave or a servant, and doulos comes from the word deo which meant to bind, to be in bonds, to knit, to tie.
May I ask you - How is your three-legged race? Are you tied to Him? Are you letting Him coach you each step of the way? Are you getting out of step and stumbling behind Him?
He is willling to tie Himself to you and walk through the days you face, are you willing to do the same?
Your steps must become His, which will allow His steps to become yours.
Mary was saying she was willing to be a slave, His property. She was willing to be tied to Him.
Bound to Him.
Step by step.
To Judah to visit Elizabeth.
Upon the back of a donkey to a strange city.
To a manger stall.
Even step by step up the hill of Calvary.
Never walking alone.
And neither will you.
Your fifth gift in this December to Remember.
God, how thought provoking that You are willing to tie yourself to me if I am willing to be your bondslave and tie myself to You. For that is how I will truly never walk alone. My heart sings at the glimpse of You and I in our own three-legged race, your arm across my shoulders and mine around your waist. Bless You. Praise You, Jesus.
I guess at first thought it is, but when I really stopped and thought about what Mary was saying, it was the perfect thing to call herself. Referring to herself as a bondslave was her way of expressing her willingness to be obedient to Him and His plan. The angel had just revealed this impossible-without-God plan to her (he actually says that in the verse before), and she submits herself completely to the journey He had planned for her, calling herself a bondslave.
The original word for bondslave was doulos which meant to be a slave or a servant, and doulos comes from the word deo which meant to bind, to be in bonds, to knit, to tie.
May I ask you - How is your three-legged race? Are you tied to Him? Are you letting Him coach you each step of the way? Are you getting out of step and stumbling behind Him?
He is willling to tie Himself to you and walk through the days you face, are you willing to do the same?
Your steps must become His, which will allow His steps to become yours.
Mary was saying she was willing to be a slave, His property. She was willing to be tied to Him.
Bound to Him.
Step by step.
To Judah to visit Elizabeth.
Upon the back of a donkey to a strange city.
To a manger stall.
Even step by step up the hill of Calvary.
Never walking alone.
And neither will you.
Your fifth gift in this December to Remember.
God, how thought provoking that You are willing to tie yourself to me if I am willing to be your bondslave and tie myself to You. For that is how I will truly never walk alone. My heart sings at the glimpse of You and I in our own three-legged race, your arm across my shoulders and mine around your waist. Bless You. Praise You, Jesus.
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