Along the Way

Following the event of Palm Sunday, the gospel of Mark speaks about a time when Jesus was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes and the elders came to him and and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you the authority to do them?” (Mark 11:27-33)

When I came under care of presbytery as a ministerial candidate and began my undergraduate study at Florida Southern (a beautiful college campus developed by the architectural hand of Frank Lloyd Wright), I was advised to consider a major other than religion. The idea was that if I concentrated my study in other areas, it would broaden my worldview and I would have a greater appreciation for other disciplines. It should not surprise you that I decided to do otherwise and I’m glad for two reasons. First, I was able to sit at the feet of some very wise professors who taught me how to ask questions and to think for myself. Second, I made some good friends along the way, one of which was a fellow student by the name of Sam Deputy from Palatka, FL.

Sam was nurtured in the Methodist tradition, had an engaging personality, inquiring mind and a good sense of humor. I do not remember a class where Sam and I didn’t enjoy a laugh or two, which proved to be infectious. Our professors and classmates would laugh, too. Class time, however, was devoted to learning and preparing us for the next step. I knew my next step was seminary. I have often heard it said that college professors will turn your faith upside down and fill your mind with doubt. Again, such was not the case for me. I have no recollection of a professor ever saying anything in a class that I considered derogatory towards the faith or the authority of Jesus Christ. Matter of fact, when I graduated from Florida Southern I believe my faith was stronger.

Following graduation in the Spring of 1979, I worked through the summer trying to save a little money for the sojourn to the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. When it came time to move, Sam offered to help Kay and I pack our U-Haul and help us drive from Florida to Kentucky, a two day trip. We drove Interstate 75 to Atlanta and instead of taking a right to Knoxville and then north to Louisville via Lexington, we made the decision to take a left and head to Nashville crossing over to Louisville. None of us had ever heard of Mount Eagle, a mountain in Tennessee that passes over the Cumberland Plateau. Our vehicle at the time was a 6 cylinder Plymouth Gold Duster and Sam happened to be at the wheel with Kay in the front and Lillian and I in the back with a FULLY LOADED U-Haul hooked to a trailer hitch. Almost everything we owned was in that U-Haul and it was almost too much for a 6 cylinder car.

We noticed clouds off to the side. You don’t see clouds when you drive down a highway or interstate in Florida! The interstate in front of us was getting steeper and steeper and the car was beginning to move slower and slower, almost to a crawl, when Sam looked at me via the rear view mirror and said, “Steve, I have the gas pedal all the way to the floor! I think something’s wrong with the car!” All I could think about was this was not a good time or place to break down. Mother and child and a U-Haul. What would we do? The suspense was soon over. The vehicle didn’t overheat and we didn’t end up on the side of the road. It was slow-going, but we made it. All the way from Florida to Kentucky there were stories and laughter, and then more laughter. When we arrived on campus, Sam graciously helped us unpack. The next morning, our good friend made his way back home to Florida.

Through the years, I have always remembered that trip with Sam and the good time Kay and I had in his company. I am sure you have similar stories, too. Remembrances of good friends, good times, stories and laughter, the gift and grace of friendship that has a way of enduring the passage of time.

In reference to the gospel, we can rejoice that the authority of Jesus has withstood the test of time. As we watch the news and read the paper, do our best to stay home and do our part in flattening the curve of the coronavirus, may we place our trust in the friendship and the authority of Christ who promises to stand by our side through it all. A friend shared a post with me last night that read, “They’re predicting this will be a rough week for America. This was a rough week for Jesus, too. But just look at the outcome.”

Drawing nearer to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and the dreadful silence of Holy Saturday, may we commit ourselves to the authority and friendship of Christ. Remaining calm in a time of distress, extending compassion to those who are suffering, and praying for the healing of the world, let us give thanks for family and friends, even friendships developed long ago. These are some of the important staples that hold life together and give us hope, one day at a time. Stay safe! Stay well! Call if you need me. We are in this together! In Christ +

—
Steve Keeler, Pastor