“The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”‘ Acts 8:29
Having visited one of our folks who lives in an assisted living facility, I was walking down the corridor to leave. I had passed a small billiard table andthen saw a man walking toward me carrying a small, long unique case. I said,”hi.” He said, “hello.” A few steps later, the Holy Spirit said, “turn around and go play pool with him.” ………………. So I did!
I’d like to say that I responded IMMEDIATELY. That within 1 or 2 steps I turned 180 degrees and obeyed. But it didn’t happen like that. I ‘wonder-walked’ for about 20 steps, arguing with myself and the Holy Spirit, as to whether that “turn around” command REALLY came from Him. Funny thing was, at about step 20, while I was still wondering, my feet automatically did an ‘about face!’ I was committed!
Since I own a 9 foot pool table, I figured he couldn’t beat me TOO bad! Besides, he was old!!! But He DID have a custom made pool cue! With Jim Croce’s, “Don’t mess around with Jim” buzzing in my head, I was certain that WINNING wasn’t really acriteria of the Holy Spirit. As I approached Him, I saw his name embroidered on his shirt and thought… “NOOO WAY!!!!” His name was JIM! “Hi Jim,” I said, “who are you playing pool with?” Surprised I knew his name, he answered…nobody! I then understood what God had in mind.
Playing pool by yourself is kind of like riding a NO-horse, open sleigh! The seat’s nice, but the scenery never changes. Jim graciously accepted my interruption and ‘racked-em.’ I suggested 1 game… but the conversation, I made sure, ended up about Jesus. So I asked, “how about best out of three?” As me, Jim and Jesus played pool, a gal came by and said, “you’ll never beat Jim…he’s good.” After she passed, I reminded Jim that according to “BIG J” in the room, NONE of usare good. Jim smiled at the remembrance. And I know Jesus did too! Jim knew Jesus!
The end result was kind of funny. Each of us had won 1 game and Jim was set up in game3 to sink the 8 ball… then ‘SCRATCHED!’ Smiling, I got real close to Jim and said, “remember to tell EVERYONE that you just lost a game of pool… to a ‘Preacher!’ I’ll be back!” We parted brothers!
Divine appointments are not just for ‘Preachers!’ They are for EVERY member of the body of Christ. The trick to making them it to keep life aligned with the Holy Spirit and towatch carefully for them. They are incredible, ‘Holy’ moments from the Divine, as He births and gathers His family together HERE on this planet. But know this….when we get to Heaven, these precious appointments will cease. Because everyone THERE… will already know Him!
What will The Holy Spirit ask of YOU today, as He gathers His people together. Are you ready and anticipating Him?
