Devotion with Possums
What do a possum and the Easter story have in common? Well, in most people’s minds, nothing, but I felt this to my core and wanted to share it with you. I am not a pastor; I am simply a girl who loves Jesus despite the mess I am. Please take a look at my musings/devotion.
Possums Eating Cat Food
Our home backs up to the woods. Today, as I was fixing my breakfast, I turned to go into the other room, and to my astonishment, two possums were standing eating our outdoor cats’ food. I was shook. For one, opossums are rarely seen in daylight hours. I have lived somewhat of a country life and rarely seen one in daylight.
The two were “together,” but the smaller one was intent on not sharing his “found” food. The larger one would calmly edge up to the small, scrappy one. The small one would begin to hiss, spit, and try to bully the other. The larger one would take two steps forward and one step back.
The end result the large one ended up with the food. Not because he was larger but only because he had patience and trust in the knowledge of his size; at least, that is what I thought…
Which Possum Will Win in the End?
The large one began chowing down, his back still to me, the small, scrappy one trying to make himself so big and bad, well, he ran off toward the woods from wherever he came. The larger of the two began to settle in and savor his food. He could calmly walk up to that food bowl without one fight. He took the hissing and the fussing, but he knew his purpose, he continued. He continued even though the progress was slow. Yes, he took three steps forward and two steps backward. He still knew his purpose and trusted, knowing that patience would be his hidden weapon. He never had to use his size, though he could have easily. He did not have to strut up and throw around his weight.
Scars Show Growth
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…” (Gal. 5:22, ESV).
Why Take a Beating When You Can Fight Back?
At this point, reflecting back on these happenings, I was amazed. What was I amazed at? That sounds like a cute story.
Well, when that large possum turned himself with his back open to prey, his head faced the wall. Leaving his back exposed left the large possum exposed to the outer elements, to sneaky prey that might bother him. He was not worried. This big dude patiently took the fussing of his “friend,” and he won. He did not trust standard logic; he had a peace about him that said, I will overcome! He did.
The open position to prey surprised me. The scrappy one was more guarded. This one didn’t care what the world threw at him; he would enjoy the food supplied to him. My amazement comes when I take a good look at him. I had wanted to pet him, but when I got within about 3″ away, I pulled back in disgust. The poor old soul had a face showing every hit his patience had taken. The possum’s face bore so many marks that had been made to him as he sought after what his goal was. His goal was food, not a fight. His goal was for the necessities. He didn’t take the bait of the other one trying to provoke him. Was it easy? No. His face showed scars.
Jesus Christ Beaten, Killed and Resurrected For Us
Jesus Christ Took Many Beatings for Us
I know the King of all who pursued His purpose through coming to earth as a small child. He did not come as a big royal God; He came in a lowly form that any “prey” could get. He left his “backside” open to attack. He did not come to fight! He came to spread the work of our Lord and Savior. He came to offer himself up for our sins.
- He took a beating not only at the cross, but also took a beating throughout his life by being in human form.
- He became flesh and dwelt among us (paraphrased from John 1:18). Being God in human form.
- He was beaten down in that he had to have diapers changed; he had to be nursed and taken care of.
- He would not fight physical battles in the human form that he came in.
As his ministry progressed, he was emotionally beaten by the Pharisees and the religious leaders, who felt he was not what he claimed. He took it all. He stood and still proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ and the almighty Jehovah Jireh, our provider. He took all the abuse and physical beating at the cross.
He hung on that cross, looking much worse than my little possum would ever have to look. He did this to bring the gospel and saving grace message to us.
Aunt Bev says
This is absolutely amazing! God has given you a gift. Keep using it for His glory!