PODCAST

A Picture of Fear

November 11th, 2014

RG AUDIO 111114

 

Matthew 26:36-46

Years ago, artist Lawson Wood painted a watercolor of a country parson standing before an open gate to a humble English cottage. Between the parson and the door stood a growling bulldog. Fear and anxiety traced lines of concern across the parson’s face as he hesitated.

Stopping my car at the end of a country lane, I prepared myself to make a pastoral call on the family that lived there. An outbuilding stood between me and the door of the farmhouse. I stepped out of my parked car and started for the door. As I rounded the corner of the building, I froze. Standing between me and the house was a large dog of unknown ancestry.

In that moment, I knew why Wood named his painting, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

The challenge before Jesus would exact a terrible price. His sleepy-eyed disciples wanted to be with Him, but weariness overcame them. Instead of rebuking them, He reminded them that willingness will be overcome by weakness unless it is accompanied by perseverance.

Author: David J. Felter

 

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One Response to “A Picture of Fear”

  1. Constance DePaoli Says:

    November 15th, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    Why isn’t the end of Mr. Felter’s story printed? Basically, he steeled himself, passed the dog, knocked on the door…but no one was home!
    I’ve read and enjoyed Dr. Felter’s stories in Nazarene publications for years.

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