JUXTAPOSITION
Tarzan almost died in the jungle. His inept effort in survival left him weak from malnutrition. Lacking knowledge about his surroundings, he was petrified, afraid to wander too far from his location. Tarzan had no choice, he had to find water and nourishment if he wanted to make it out of there alive.
Stumbling through thick foliage, causing abrasions to his arms and legs. Tarzan kept advancing toward the sound of rushing water. He needed to stay alert, danger was everywhere.
Not having a weapon of any kind made Tarzan a target for any hungry beast that might be around. The smell of blood from the lacerations on his limbs put him in great peril. What was he to do? What was more eminent, water or devising something to fight with? Tarzan continued on, keeping his eyes sharp for anything he could use to defend himself with.
All at once, he stopped; the sounds of the jungle had gone silent, he was not alone. Eyes racking the ground for anything he could use for protection, Tarzan spotted a long, heavy stick. He broke one end to create a sharp point. Finally, he had a weapon. What was out there? Struck with fear, he quietly crept through the underbrush, listening for any sounds that would help him discover his predator.
Time stood still, something was lurking out there, but what? Perspiration covered his body; every nerve was on high alert. Then something moved to his left. He waited, clutching his spear. Slowly whatever was out there was coming closer. The branches moved and a head appeared.
It was Jane. She said, “Tarzan, what are you doing?” I found water an hour ago and was waiting for you to join me.”
Not wanting Jane to know how scared he had been, Tarzan said, “I was making a weapon to protect you with in case of danger. I was on my way, lead on.”
Jane looked at Tarzan and wondered if that was all he had been doing. Oh, well, she thought, and turned back the way she had come and led him back to the waterfall. She had gathered food and made a small shelter. She said, “I was keeping busy waiting for you.”
Tarzan, again not wanting Jane to know how frightened he had been, just said, “Good job! Well, I guess we know who wears the loin cloth in this family!”
WHO ARE THE MESSENGERS?
The wind was howling and I hated to go out
Winters are nasty and it's hard to get about
I pulled up my collar to block the cold blast
And proceeded down the lonely street at last
On the other side of the street two men were huddled together
I felt uncomfortable, and I tell you, not just from the weather
One of the men started towards me, crossing the street
I was nervous; he wasn't anyone I wanted to meet
His clothes were ragged and dirty, his hair was a mess
He looked tired and hungry, and I really must confess
I didn't want to be approached by him, but what could I do
I assumed he'd ask for money, I guess that was the least I could do
Then Sunday morning's sermon came to mind
Don't prejudge a person's worth, be kind
I could miss God's message, He could be using this guy
I needed to put aside my fears and find out why
God looks at our heart, not just at our outer shell
I needed to do the same and listen to the story this man had to tell
He came closer and smiled at me
A gentle man as kind as could be
We started to chat about the weather
The lines of his face look like leather
He told me his hardship and how he ended up this way
He'd lost his job and when things got tough his wife wouldn't stay
He had nothing but the clothes on his back
And here I had everything, there was nothing I lacked
Yet lately I had been depressed about my life
It took this poor man to show me true strife
He told me God loves us all
Everyone, meek or small
He said I looked sad as I walked on by
He just felt urged to come over and ask why
I told him I had been feeling very sad
But since talking to him I didn't feel so bad
I thanked him; he turned and started to go
He never asked for a penny, why I don't know
I yelled wait, ran up to him and gave him some money
Suddenly the whole word began to look sunny
Pastor was right, the message was clear
Thank God I didn't miss this blessing because of fear
We never know who the messenger might be
So open your heart, this is a message from me
To Pastor Phil, your sermon touched my heart.