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“Because Nobody Said Anything”
This past Sunday, I fell for one of the oldest tricks in the book. Just before the beginning of worship, when Bruce Schaefer and I walked down the aisle towards the altar, I noticed that a peach had been placed on the pulpit. I smiled, assuming that Rev. Bill had placed the peach on the pulpit as an illustration for the sermon.
If you weren’t in worship this past Sunday (June 29, 2025), you might consider watching the replay on our website to see what I’m talking about https://longboatislandchapel.org/streaming/). Along with the beautiful music, Rev. Bill brought a powerful message, incorporating the peach very eloquently. After the message, I also used the peach as an illustration to prepare for receiving the offering. Rev. Bill thought I put the peach on the pulpit. I thought Rev. Bill had put it there. However, neither one of us did.
On the video replay, viewers will notice how perfectly the peach fits against my shirt collar. One viewer even commented on my orange tie, which, of course, I didn’t wear. They were seeing the peach as I listened to Rev. Bill deliver a message from the LORD.
Following the service, someone from the congregation approached me and told me that they had put that peach on the pulpit. They wanted me to have a Georgia peach they had found in a store or market. So, instead of giving it directly to me in the midst of the busy activity of a Sunday morning, they figured they would just leave it on the pulpit.
Sometimes, we’ll let a glaring change go without question or comment. Is the change a bad one or a good one? Is it helpful or distracting? Given the intent (in this case) was one of generosity and innocence, it caused no harm or foul. However, both Rev. Bill and I fell for it, not mentioning it to each other because we didn’t want to hurt each other’s feelings.
As in all theological stories, there must be a lesson in here somewhere. By now, you’re already thinking of something else, using this story as a backdrop for something in your own life. So if I may, let me draw a theological conclusion that you can use for whatever is on your heart and mind: God had a purpose for that wayward peach. Neither Rev. Bill nor I knew about it, but we’ve seen God do enough amazing things without our knowledge that we’re perfectly okay to let it go.
What about you? Does your situation need some attention, or are you planning to leave it alone? Has God put a surprise blessing in your path, perhaps so special that you’re afraid to accept it for yourself? If you’re not sure, ask God. If God doesn’t answer right away, ask again.
God is always providing and blessing, usually when we aren’t expecting it! God neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). Take note today of those blessings and look for God's presence.
Be a part of something powerful this Sunday at the Chapel, online and in person!
Blessings,
Brock
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