She came through my line at the door after worship and said, “have you ever read The Lottery?”  It was an unexpected question, and I replied quickly that I had not — but after preaching twice on a Sunday morning, I’m lucky to remember my name!  As a preaching colleague used to say — it’s like having jello for brains!  She promised to send me a link and wanted to know what I thought. 

Later in the day over a relaxing dinner, it started coming back to me.  David and I agreed that we must have read it in a high school literature class.  I re-read it this morning.  I only wish I’d known to do that before I preached yesterday. 

The sermon that prompted her challenge to me was the story of the Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:55-60).  I’ m always glad to know that people are listening, but even more than that, I hope there’s a connection that relates to every day living.  I was blessed on both counts!  She was listening, and she could not have been more right-on topic.

Read it for yourself.  It won’t take but a few minutes.   http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/lotry.html.  Originally published in the New Yorker Magazine in 1948, you’ll be surprised how eerie the message and how sinister are its characters.    You’ll find several commentaries on-line, but as she suggested to me — let it haunt you awhile first.

Couldn’t happen, right?  Especially not to such nice folks as us.  

Blessings,

Pastor Kris