Why Bubba was on his knees in front of the choir

The Bible teaches that in worship services, there is a proper place for a prayer, a song, or a sermon, but it should be done in an orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:26-33). Disorder can invite disaster. Just as Bubba.

“Bubba” (not his real name) loved to pray loud prayers at his church in north Georgia. Whenever he was called upon to pray, his voice rang out with authority and passion as he called upon the Lord.

However, Bubba also had a problem. If he turned his head a certain way, he went to sleep. Instantly.

One Sunday, Bubba was seated on the front pew of church, listening to the choir sing. The music was beautiful, but Bubba got his head in the wrong position, and out he went.

A mischievous youth seated behind Bubba decided to play a trick on him. He tapped Bubba on the shoulder, then he shook him, waking him enough to hear the words, “Bubba, they just called on you to pray.”

Without noticing that the choir was still singing, Bubba hit the floor on his knees, and began to cry out to the Lord. “Oh, Lord, we come before you this morning...” The poor choir had to stop singing so Bubba could pray.

If we are honest with ourselves, we all have had times when we were in the wrong frame of mind during worship. Maybe you’ve been singing “Oh Happy Day” while paying no attention to the frown on your face. Or perhaps your mind wandered to the heroes of the ball field while the pastor was preaching on the heroes of the Bible. When it hits you that your mind is not in sync with the worship around you, why not refocus on God. And be glad that at least you’re not Bubba on his knees in front of a silent choir.

Copyright 2008 by Bob Rogers.

Would the Virgin Mary have worn a new red dress?

Commotion erupted backstage of the church Christmas play when a five-year-0ld girl, who was slated to play Mary, refused to wear anything but her new red dress.

The adults backstage pleaded with her, the director spoke to her, and finally her parents talked to her about the need to wear the costume for Mary instead of her new red dress. The little girl would not be moved, and insisted on wearing the dress, or she would not go onstage. The play was already late in starting, so the director stepped to the microphone and announced, "Due to circumstances beyond our control, Mary, the mother of Jesus, will appear tonight in a new red dress."

The congregation erupted in laughter. A voice was heard from behind the curtain shouting, "If Mary had had a new red dress, she would have worn it!"

I agree with her. That little girl understood something that we forget-- although Mary was the virgin mother of the Savior, she was still a real woman with real feelings. Imagine the emotions Mary must have carried that first Christmas: frustration at those who did not understand that her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, fear at what Joseph would think, and amazement at the arrival of shepherds from Bethlehem and wise men from the east. The Bible says that after the shepherds came to see the Christ child, Mary treasured these memories in her heart (Luke 2:19).

Yes, the birth of Mary's son was no sideline show. This was the event that ushered the Savior of the world onto the stage of world history. So I must agree with the little girl in the church play-- if Mary had had a new red dress, she would have worn it!

Copyright 2007 by Bob Rogers