Pastor Deighton came out of the church on a bright summer day. The weather was warm and perfect and he was feeling very good.
On the other side of the road, a punk with a blue Mohawk named Jake was walking down the sidewalk with his IPod in his ears. And felt like the world was on his shoulders.
Pastor Deighton looked up at the blue sky and said, “I thank you that I have the sense to be a Christian and not a sinner. I’m SO glad I’m not like others.” Pastor looked from heaven and saw the punk walking down the sidewalk. He saw his blue hair, his lip ring, his black eyeliner, and could hear his rock music coming from his IPod, “God,” he smiled, “I’m so glad I’m not like that guy right there. Lost and looking like a freak. I’m so glad I have my life on tract.”
When Jake got home he pulled the buds out of his ears and put his IPod on the table. He sat down in a chair and felt like he wanted to cry. He didn’t know how to pray. But he knew he needed someone besides himself. He didn’t look up, just held his head in his hands and said, “God, I need Your help. I need money or I’ll get kicked out of my apartment, and I just lost my job. I know I’m not worthy of You, but please have mercy on me!”
The next morning Jake went to his mailbox and found and anonymous check for him in it. It was enough for his rent and food."Thank You God!" he shouted.
The same morning Pastor Deighton was leaving the hospital where he was visiting people. He was feeling good about himself and how the sick people looked up to him . . .that’s when he saw the parking ticket on his windshield.
(c) 2007
{Author’s note: this was inspired by the parable in Luke 18:9-14
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