Morning Devotional

November  6, 2005
"The Peanut Gallery"      
    by Don Emmitte

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. (Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT).

I’m not sure why I am drawn back to the early days of television and my recollections as a child, but the Howdy Doody Show comes to mind as I think about a topic for today’s devotional.

The show actually began running in December of 1947, which was a little before my time! It starred a loveable marionette named “Howdy Doody” and Cowboy Bob. There were other characters like Clarabel the Cow, who always communicated through "The Box." Clarabell's peanut-vendor-style box contained two horns and a seltzer bottle. Clarabell always answered questions by honking one horn for "yes" and the other for "no." Other human characters included Ugly Sam the Wrestler, Pierre the Chef, Sir Archibald the Explorer, Oil Well Willie, Lanky Lou the Cowhand, Chief Thunderthud who originated the world-famous cry "Kowa-bonga!" and Princess Summerfall Winterspring of the Tinka Tonka Tribe. And, of course, there was the Peanut Gallery.

The Peanut Gallery was the live audience of children of all ages. They provided the in studio “life.” They laughed and cheered the characters through each episode. It wouldn’t have had much excitement without them! We have a “Peanut Gallery” in our lives. The apostle Paul called it a “crowd of witnesses” in our reading today. He reminds us that since these observers surround us, we should persevere toward the greatness God has in mind for all of us.

How are you doing in your life’s walk? I know that I could do better. Perhaps I need to recall some of those times in life when I didn’t face such challenges as I do today. Perhaps I need to remind myself of the laughter and lighthearted moments of the past. Perhaps I need to recall the friendships and encouragement of so many who have been a part of my life. Each of these and more become a part of the Peanut Gallery” of my life’s performance. They are a part of you too!

Challenge yourself with the knowledge that you can do better today. There are many people who surround you, both in this world and the next, who cheer you on to greatness. God provides the strength and direction. This crowd of witnesses provides you with encouragement and cheer. From those two sources, you can’t lose!