Out Our Way: Casting stones

John 8:7 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone'

Out our way the test that matters for a cowhand is not what he says he can do, but what he does. There is a reason I am the designated "dust eater" at the round ups and when we move the herds to summer or winter pasture. I can talk the talk but not really walk the walk. ("or ride with pride") Granted, Doc's outstanding klutziness and jackhammer gait, are factors - but even on smooth riding Babe, you could tell my skill as a rider is limited. So "permanent" dust eater status is my fate.

One year I helped work a rodeo as a general helper, opening the gate from the stock pen into the alley where the real deal folks moved bulls and broncs down to the chutes. I was dressed for the work and was covered in dust and other stuff the critters kicked up as they went past. Some kid asked if I rode bulls or broncs. Good grief - I was barely capable of opening the stock or ambulance gates. Then he asked me what I thought of one of the riders who, unfortunately, had a bad start out of the gate and was tossed within 2 seconds. Of all people to ask! The kid didn't know I was just a "dust eater", but I did. 

Now in the Gospel of John, a woman taken in adultery is brought to Jesus and the self righteous religious folk asked Him to condemn the woman. But "dust eaters" come in all shapes and sizes - and despite fancy robes and religious titles in the Temple and synagogues - Jesus knew a dusts eater when He saw one. He wrote something in the dirt ( the Gospel does not tell us what it was, but "dust eater" comes to mind) and then said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". One by one they all backed off.   

I am now working in a city as a security guard, and as some of you know, I deal with some folk whom I consider strange looking characters all the time. Sadly, I am often quick to judge them for what I consider strange and bizarre appearances. But lately the "Herd Boss" has reminded me that, like those Pharisees and priests, I too am a "dust eater". What is He writing in the dust for me? "BROTHER JOHN IS A SINNER AND JUDGMENTAL DUST EATER" ? 

The other night I started trying to pray for those I had mentally judged instead of condemning them. As I have shared before - the wisdom of that old Rabbi who told his students to become "religious atheists" to better serve God. He explained that the atheist who does what is right simply because it is right pleases God far more than the religious folk who do it because they think God demands it. A righteous act done because it is right carries far more weight with the LORD than such an act because you think your religion demands it. 

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" is the word of Christ to me ... as is what He writes in the dirt:" Brother John, the dust eater"; says it all.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

As Christ writes in the sand: "Brother John, dust eater".

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].