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“Peculiar Pete”
By Susanne
Scheppmann
Key Verse:
1
Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,
a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called
you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (KJV)
Devotion:
My
husband and I encountered Peculiar Pete at a park in a small town in Idaho. We
were driving to Yellowstone National Park and had pulled over to stretch our
legs and walk our dogs in the beautiful city park.
The
elderly gentleman approached us on a razor scooter. He grinned as he approached
and I was almost blinded by his gold teeth that glittered in the afternoon sun.
His 1970’s shorts clashed with his tied-dyed t-shirt. His baseball cap cocked
to one side revealed long thin stringy hair dyed to auburn brown.
I
hoped he wouldn’t speak to me, so I averted my eyes from this odd spectacle
scooting toward me. Sure enough, I heard, “Good afternoon, my name is Pete.
Nice dogs you have there.”
“Thanks,
“replied my husband as I suddenly became mute.
With
just that one word of encouragement to continue the conversation, Pete jumped
into a long discourse of his past. He peppered the monologue with, “Do you hear
what I am saying?”
We
discovered that not only did he ride a scooter, but a motorcycle, too. He owned
a welding company, had almost married a millionaire, and he downhill skied. He
paused to take a breath, my husband asked him about directions to Yellowstone.
Once again, he launched into a one-sided conversation.
However,
this time we gained valuable information to aid us in our vacation. It turned
out the Pete held a treasure trove of knowledge on almost any subject. His
friendliness, soon overpowered my hesitation to interact with him. Although,
odd, I liked him and was thankful we had met.
After
he pushed away on his tiny scooter, he waved to us with the dirty hat. I
watched him head toward the park swings. I thought, “Pete was peculiar, but a
joy!”
Then
1 Peter 2:9 flashed through my thoughts. As Christians, we are called to be peculiar,
too. Oh not like my friend, Pete. Peculiar in the sense, if we are God's
children we should act like it. Other people should notice that we are
different from everyone else. Our behaviors should represent we serve a holy
God. Our attitudes should be the same as Jesus. We should exhibit light in a
dark world. When we wave good-bye to someone they should think, “She is
peculiar, but a joy to be with.”
I
think of Pete, often. Although wary at first, I eventually envied his
self-confidence. Now I pray I can be as bold in my Christianity as he was
audacious in his looks and conversation. I wouldn’t mind being a bit peculiar
for Jesus. How about you?
Prayer:
Dear
Lord, help me to be brave in my walk of faith with you. Make me peculiar enough
so that people recognize that there is something different in my life. Give me
boldness to proclaim that You make the difference. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application steps:
Determine
to do one thing outside your comfort zone of Christianity today. Ponder the reactions
you get from people who know you and those who don’t. Journal your thoughts and
feelings about the occurrence.
Refection points:
Do
you know someone who exhibits extreme confidence in his or her Christian walk?
Do
other people think he/she is peculiar?
Would
you want your friends to think you were different because of Jesus in your
life?
Power verses:
1
Samuel 16:7, “But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance
or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things
man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the
heart." (NIV)
Titus
2:14, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (KJV)
Colossians
3:12, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
(NIV)
Philippians
2:5, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
© 2006 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved
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