To Bee Ready

Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief… All can witness for Christ. But how about beekeeper?

You know, guardian of those fascinating little insects that bless us in so many ways? Can that little hobby present opportunities for sharing one’s faith? Plenty! And do we serve a God of second chances?  You bet. Let me tell you about it.

The caller was excited. A big bunch of buzzing bees was gathering and threatening to land somewhere in a place near him. Could I help? Of course! The gentleman was talking about a swarm of honeybees, and it was my sincere pleasure to come to the rescue. (Honestly, I need more bees like I need another hole in the head, but that’s beside the point. What self-respecting hobbyist can resist freebees? Plus, it makes a mighty fine investment project.)

So, off I went, collected the living mass without much difficulty, and handed the young man my usual parting gift: a paperback The Great Controversy with accompanying mini-canvas, leftover from my colporteuring days. Pleasantly surprised, he thanked me and I was on my way, feeling pretty good, yet wondering why in the world I hadn’t offered him formal Bible studies while I was at it. He seemed so thoughtful and receptive. Heavenly Father, please forgive me. Next time...

The following day, my phone rings. It does that fairly often, but this time was unique. Would you believe it? It’s the same guy calling about another swarm on his property! Highly unusual alright, but leave it to the Lord to exceed my meager expectations. As Providence would have it, this bee enthusiast was free to respond in good time to a second urgent plea for help (swarms usually don’t hang around for long), and I once again found myself happily staring thousands of bees alternately in the face and stinger. A few pleasantries, and the swarm capture was complete. Another satisfied ‘customer.’

But, hold on. Not so fast. This time, I was a little more prepared—mission-wise, I mean. Before I left the premises with my humming prize (more bees), Gabe* asked what I did for a living. (Well, actually, I had asked him first, hoping to start a conversation about spiritual things.) To my response, he simply said, “I knew it!” and proceeded to chat briefly about his present situation, work-related frustrations, and the challenge of figuring out God’s will for his life. Any ideas, Reverend?

I ask you, can sweeter words fall on a pastor’s [sometimes deaf] ears? A real, live seeker! Fortunately, I’d learned my lesson, and immediately offered him personal Bible studies. He gladly accepted, and a time and place was agreed upon. Praise God. You see, I had been praying for just such an encounter, asking the Lord to lead me to someone searching for truth. But, feeling quite satisfied with my literature ministry, apparently hadn’t been watching too closely for openings beyond that. God is so good.

Now, a reality check. Heaven and I had done our part, but would my new ‘student’ follow through? The devil is at work, too, you know. Oh! I forgot to tell you that on that second bee-run, Gabe made it a point to say he thought it was God that had brought the swarms so he and I could get connected! Isn’t that insightful? Basically, he beat me to it.

Monday came, and in he walked, right on time, a million questions on his mind. Instead of the bee guy, it was Pastor Joel who greeted him this time, and that first session was a general, get-acquainted visit, where the foundation of a long-term, hopefully saving, relationship was laid. Never fear, the Scriptures were opened, too; after all, that’s why he was there. I will be using Bible study guides, but we all know who the real Teacher is going to be. I am just a vessel, and sometimes not a very honorable one at that.

Gabe seemed to enjoy the hour spent in my office, reiterated his belief that this was a God-thing, and as of this moment definitely wants to continue our weekly Bible studies. I’m so glad, because life isn’t merely about rescuing bees, or even people in temporal distress. It’s about leading them to the One who holds eternity in His nail-pierced hands. Our Savior has amazing plans for us all—plans to prosper us, and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (see Jer. 29:11). What a blessing it is to have grown up in the faith, but woe unto me if I smugly hide my light under the nearest skep**, and call it good. That’s one way to be stunted, and eventually shrivel up. The servant of the Lord says, “One of the divine plans for growth is impartation. The Christian is to gain strength by strengthening others. ‘He that watereth shall be watered also himself’ (Prov. 11:25) This is not merely a promise; it is a divine law, a law by which God designs that the streams of benevolence, like the waters of the great deep, shall be kept in constant circulation, continually flowing back to their source...”[i]

Please say a prayer for Gabe, his circle of influence, and yours truly as we begin to delve into God’s Word in earnest; he is so eager to learn, and time is short. As I said, the enemy is alive and well, and no doubt has all sorts of dirty tricks up his ragged sleeve, designed to intercept our grand objective.

Above all, don’t be afraid to use YOUR special hobby, talents, and gifts to find and help some soul in need of that ‘peace that passes all understanding.’ It’s very rewarding work indeed—even better than wrangling bees.

*not his real name
** A straw or wicker beehive