Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller
Tuesday, November 4
Riding Shotgun
But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
-Jesus in John 15:26
If you grew up watching Westerns, you’re very familiar with the shotgun rider. He was the well-armed, grizzled guard who sat on the high seat beside the stagecoach driver.
It’s an ingrained part of American vernacular, “I’m riding shotgun.”
You’re riding beside someone. It can be for protection, comfort, guidance, or closeness.
During my years in Africa I had to be careful with my language. Many American terms mystified my African friends.
I once invited an African pastor to ride with me. “Pastor Joseph, let’s go to Rhino Camp today.” I pointed to the empty passenger seat. “You can ride shotgun.”
There was a blank stare. “What does that mean, Mzee?”
I spent five minutes explaining about the shotgun rider and the Wild West. If I remember correctly, I sketched a stagecoach in my journal for him.
Riding shotgun.
Protection.
Companionship.
Guidance.
When Jesus mentions the Helper in John 15, he’s referring to the Holy Spirit. In another passage, he calls the Spirit, “Our Counselor.”
Notice that both are capitalized. Jesus is referring to a person, not a thing.
Our Helper.
Our Counselor.
When a person is born again in Jesus, he or she receives the Holy Spirit.
He comes to dwell in us. That’s an amazing thing.
And He’s there to guide us.
Protect us.
Companionship at the highest and most intimate level.
Sound familiar?
Guidance. Protection. Companionship.
In a way, the Holy Spirit becomes our shotgun rider.
Right there in the driver’s seat beside you.
Always faithful.
Always powerful.
Always close.
He’s the Holy Spirit, a full member of what we call the Trinity. The three-in-one.
Look again at John 15:26.
They’re all there. The Father. The Son. The Spirit.
You need a strong shotgun rider beside you on your life journey.
May I recommend him highly?
Jesus calls him “The Helper.”
“Lord, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit who indwells a Jesus-Follower. Thanks for help and guidance your provide. Please remove anything from my life that hinders your full power to rule my life. Amen.
“Anticipation is 82.4% of life.”
-Unknown
(percentage adjusted due to inflation.)
Anticipation is 82.4% of life.
It’s true.
Looking forward to something is a large and enjoyable part of life.
It doesn’t matter what it is.
A vacation.
A great steak supper.
Or a new baby.
It’s especially true of a trip or event. Often, the best part is preparing, dreaming, talking, and getting the details done.
That’s anticipation.
Anticipation. It’s a good word.
My sister Claudia Lou and her clan routinely make several yearly pilgrimages to Disney World.
I’m talking about multiple (expensive) trips to the Magic Kingdom.
I kidded her, “Sister, why do y’all make these many trips to Disney World? I mean, there’s only so many times to see Mickey Mouse or Snow White.:
Claudia said something profound:
“Curt, we spend weeks enjoying the planning of the trip.
We have a great time while we’re at Disney World.
And then we spend weeks talking about what a fine time we had.”
Claudia’s three-point sermon has deeply affected me. Life is more than the event or occasion.
It’s anticipation. Looking forward to it.
It’s enjoyment. Taking it all in.
It’s making memories. Taking weeks, sometimes months, maybe a lifetime, re-living it with others and in our hearts.
Thanks, Sister, for a good lesson. I’m making this triangle a part of my life.
Like I said, Anticipation is 82.4 % of life.
Go for it, Sister.
Grab hold of it, Brother.
There’s always more at The Creek.
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Coming Blogs
Rebel yells
Doing it right.
The Three laws of sowing/reaping.
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