It’s not unusual. As we drive along the roads of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, near our home, we often encounter our horse-and-buggy neighbors from the Amish and Plain Mennonite communities all around us. I always enjoy seeing them. I feel a little connection, as Brethren, to our Anabaptist roots.
But tonight was different. As the gray Amish buggy came towards us, I could see that the horse was at full trot. Then I noticed that the buggy was full of laughing Amish teenagers. Then I noticed the Amish lad lying on the roof of the buggy, spread-eagled, one hand gripping each side of the buggy. His sandy blond hair flew in the wind. His mouth was flung open in a great big smile as the buggy flew by us. Now that’s not something you see every day! It took my wife, Deb, and me a minute to process what we had just seen! We laughed, and I said, “I’m sure the Elder of their Church District would not be happy with that behavior.” We laughed some more and shook our heads in disbelief. Finally, I said, “I guess teens will be teens, whatever the culture!”
Typical Amish Gray Buggy
It made me reflect on some of the reckless things I did as a teenager in cars back in the day. I imagined two 1950 Chevrolets racing door handle to door handle down a twisty back road. Or driving 140mph in my buddy’s 428 cubic inch Ford Galaxie Seven Litre convertible. With him in the trunk. “Oh my, maybe I shouldn’t be mentioning these indiscretions.”
But then you each could probably share the story of your sins & folly from years ago. Or from yesterday. The truth is, we’ve all been that boy … clinging to sin. We are all that boy! Romans 2:23 reminds us, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (NIV)
Aren’t you so thankful that we have a Savior! A Savior who forgives ALL our sins, whether they be of foolishness and folly, or malicious and defiant, when we come before Him in honest repentance, there is no sin that is beyond His grace.
“He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases; He redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion.” Psalm 103:3-4 (NIV).
“See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” Zechariah 3:4 (NIV).
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV).
I think I need to talk to Him right now. How about you?
Clinging to Jesus, not my sin!
Pastor Larry M. Dentler, CBC Executive Board
