Confrontation

As I turned right onto the three lane road, moving towards the center lane, there was nothing in sight.  The bright California sun was already dominating my view to the east even at seven o’clock in the morning.  As I cross the lanes into the left turning area there was nothing to indicate anything or anybody was even close to my vicinity.  Even as I completed my turn I glanced in my mirror visualize Cherry’s warning.  “There is a policeman on your tail!  What did you do?”
 
“We are ok.  I haven’t done anything.”  My confidence was betrayed by my doubts.  I made sure my blinkers were set.  I took the time to verify I had come to a full stop before turning.  I as moved through the light I cautiously turned in a safe, smooth manner.  As the black and white followed I begin to wonder if my confidence had a solid foundation.  As the car followed me into the parking lot my search for my error grew exponentially. 
 
“Don’t worry.  He is just going to Starbucks.”
 
My heart relaxed.  As we got out of the car the local policeman and I began to banter about the day and the car I was driving.  Cherry’s words to our pursuer did little to fully capture my emotions.  “We were worried when we saw you appear right behind us!”
 
“I know the feeling.  I worry every time a police car pulls up behind me as well.  It takes a moment; then I remember I am a policeman.”
 
Long ago, “Jesus asked again, ‘Who are you after?’
 
They answered, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’
 
‘I told you,’ said Jesus, ‘that's me.  I'm the one.  So if it's me you're after, let these others go.’” (John 18.6-8) 
 
Evil is pursuing you and me.  It will sneak up when we least expect and confront us when we are unprepared.  It is easy to worry!  Yet in that moment we can remember, “I” am on God’s side.  The Spirit is here.  Divinity will protect and guide.  We are God’s hands, eyes, and voice.