By Emily Agee

Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.  But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens…” (Luke 12:41-45a).

Thought for the week: “This Tiny Cross of Pain”

“Though prayers for healing seemed in vain, God helped me learn to live with pain; to use the very thing I dread for closer walk with Him instead; And how to lend a listening ear to those who hurt and shed a tear of sympathy, or press their hand — worth more because I understand.  Dear God, if that’s the only way you’d have me serve from day to day, please use this tiny cross of pain for others and for Heaven’s gain!”

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Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the men’s chorus with Jennifer People and Julian Lucas directing.  Songs sung included, “Come And Go To That Land,” “Come About Me Jesus” and “Oh How I Love Jesus.”  The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry.

Pastor Dukes brought the message with his theme, “Jesus or Barabbas, What’s Your Choice?”

Barabbas was a hero to the Jews. He killed the Romans for them.  He killed for the cause; Barabbas had no standard or morals.  Jesus was/is God’s Son, the healer who raised people from the dead, and the teacher. Why would Church folks want to kill him? Because they wanted to do what they wanted and did not want to be told they were wrong.

The crowd turned against him. Don’t follow the crowd — follow Jesus, not Barabbas.  The people chose a murderer and a robber over Jesus. They chose a thug and a gangster over Jesus.  Evil and sin is among you but God gave you power to overcome, yet you continue to choose Barabbas?  People chose Barabbas because we have a sinful nature; we value people’s opinions.  They chanted, “Free Barabbas!”

Don’t follow the crowd, stand for Jesus anywhere.  Remember, your opinion should line up with that of Jesus.

The service concluded with fellowship led by Pastor Dukes, deacons and the congregation.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Margie Hardnett, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Juanita Shirley, Flora B. Franklin, Evelyn Austin, Lee Anna Worthey and Robert Spence.

May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.