Daily Devotional for February 26, 2021
Old Mossback
We gotta be the first ones at the lake tomorrow so we can get Old Mossback, Malachi thought as he snuggled down into his bed, almost too excited to sleep. He could hardly wait to go on the early morning fishing trip he and Dad had planned. There was a giant bass in the lake they’d been after for weeks, and Malachi was sure tomorrow was the day they’d finally catch him.
As they drove up to the lake early the next morning, Malachi imagined his line going tight as Old Mossback took the bait. He could almost feel the weight of the fish as he reeled him in…
“What’s that?” Dad’s voice broke into his thoughts. The pickup’s headlights lit up the reflective vest of a man sitting on the side of the road, clutching his ankle. Dad pulled over and stopped. “Wait here,” he said, opening the truck door.
Soon Dad returned with the man, who was limping. “This is my son Malachi,” Dad told him. “Malachi, this is Mr. Robinson. He hurt his ankle when he was running, so we’re going to take him to the medical center.”
“I hate to be so much trouble,” Mr. Robinson said. “I could call someone to come get me.”
“No problem,” said Dad. “We’re always glad to help out a neighbor.”
Malachi’s heart sank as they headed away from the lake. Goodbye, Old Mossback, he thought sadly.
“Do you live around here?” Mr. Robinson asked Dad as they drove.
Dad shook his head. “No, we’re from Rockville. We just come up here to fish.”
“You’re from Rockville?” Mr. Robinson looked confused. “Then why did you call me your neighbor?”
“Well, I was using the term the way Jesus does in the Bible—to refer to anyone in need of a helping hand.” Mr. Robinson listened intently as Dad continued to talk about Jesus and what He said in the Bible.
By the time Mr. Robinson was taken care of, it was too late to go fishing. “I’m sorry, Malachi,” Dad said.
Malachi was disappointed, but then he remembered how their “neighbor” had listened while Dad talked about Jesus. “It’s okay,” he said. “We’ll get Old Mossback another time. Helping out a neighbor is much more important.” • Richard S. Maffeo
How about you?
Did you know that anyone at all can be considered your neighbor? Jesus tells us to show others our love for Him by being a good neighbor to everyone. When we’re willing to make sacrifices to help someone, they can see what Jesus is like. Maybe they’ll even become interested in knowing more about Him. By being a good neighbor to those around you, you’re showing them the love of Jesus.
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