Rerun of Daily Devotional August 24, 2017
| Don is good for exactly one devotional a year. I have not been able to stop laughing since I read it. I hope you enjoy Don’s story as much as I do. A United States Marine was taking some college courses between assignments. He had completed 20 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist. |
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, “GOD, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform… I’ll give you exactly 15 min.”
The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by, and the professor proclaimed, “Here I am GOD, I’m still waiting.”
It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him, knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold.
The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently.
The other students were shocked and stunned, and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, “What in the world is the matter with you? Why did you do that?”
The Marine calmly replied, “GOD was busy today protecting America’s soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So He sent me.”
The classroom erupted in cheers!
Peter said, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15-16a)
While the Marine may have not gotten the “gentleness” part right, he did get his point across.
Paul said to Timothy, “This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
Today, more than likely, you will not have the opportunity to knock the tar out of an atheist professor. But God will give chance to show the world that he is real by doing an act of compassion, speaking a word of love and comfort, or being a kind supportive presence in the midst of someone’s pain.
Whatever it is, know that God put us here to make a difference. And God expects us to do just that.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, this morning I give myself to you without hesitation or reservation. Use me for your purpose. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Also, today give thanks for the Marines. They, as well as the rest of our men and women in uniform, guarantee us the freedom to worship our wonderful God.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 