2001 Kringle Tree

He stood between me and Knee Low. We had known each other for years. Looking back, it almost seems coincidental that he was at the Church in the first place. He had started by standing far away listening to the ranting and raving of the man who had me backed against a car. Kringle had moved closer as if hoping that his presence would make Knee Low stop ranting and calm down. Knee Low could not stop – embarrassment at his rage now fueled his rage. Kringle moved within 10 feet of us as Knee Low began to take an offensive stance and continue to threaten me physically.

Kringle knew me well. I would not fight this man over anything. He could beat me in the ground while Kringle and the world watched but I was going to show him a visible impression of the unconditional love of Christ. Persecution for doing right is easy to suffer because you know that suffering it well will break the oppressor and let him see God if only for a moment. I had only tried to help his family in their fear. I was no enemy of Knee Low.

As Knee Low was ready to strike me the first time, Kringle stepped in between us, dismissing my actions to get him to stop.

“I know that he is going to be godly and turn the other cheek. I know that you don’t care and are going to beat him. Clearly you are out of control but you need to back it up because he may be called to let you hit him but you are going to have to beat me up first.”

Knee Low fired back threats and challenges.

“I am not going to fight you – you need to calm down – I am not moving,” replied Kringle.

Eventually, Knee Low decided that he didn’t want to risk getting beat up. He had come only to threaten me. He had come to hit me. He did not want a fair fight. Even his rage began to see his error as Kringle stood in his path.

I know that I was supposed to stand with the guarantee of “turn the other cheek.” Kringle knew he was to stand for what was right and for the protection of someone innocent in the situation. God made provision that day for both of us to be used and for both of us to see Him. In the end, God reached Knee Low through that day’s crisis. This is God – the one who provides for us in trouble and uses the whole Church differently to accomplish his purposes and to reach people who have lost their way. Do not fear. Follow God as a spiritual leader and allow Him to provide for you as you follow.