A big challenge of being a follower of Jesus, canine or otherwise, is staying close to him. Everybody wants to be around the guy—day and night.
One time in Capernaum, it seemed like the whole town came to visit Jesus where Peter and Andrew’s lived! You’re probably wondering if Christ let dogs into the house. Nope. Ole Buck stayed outside, watching, and waiting.
Anyway, he healed many sick people (who came to the door) and told lots of demons to leave folks alone. But he didn’t let the evil spirits talk because they knew who he really was. It’s strange, the demons knew Jesus was God’s pack leader, but most humans didn’t.
It finally quieted down late that night, after everyone left and Jesus’ friends fell asleep. Early the next morning, before daylight, I heard the front door open. It was my wine making, storm stopping, healer friend—Jesus!
“Come on, Buck,” he said, as he walked by–tugging gently on my ear. Well, he didn’t have to ask me twice! Finally, I get some “just us” time with my good friend. I followed him out of town to the middle of nowhere.
“Stay here and keep watch, Buck, while I go over there and pray.” he said, scratching under my chin. Now we’re talking. Nothing or nobody will bother Jesus with this big dog watching! Buck is good at guarding.
He walked about eight dog trots away and started talking to someone. But I didn’t see anyone. I couldn’t make out everything he said, but I heard the word “Father” a few times. Jesus was talking to his dad. “So, this is what it means to pray,” I realized.
when he prays, God will answer him; he will worship God with joy; God will set things right for him again.
Job 33:26 (GNT)
These turned out to be my favorite times with him, out under the stars watching while he prayed. I sat down in a good spot where I could see both my pack leader and the only path coming in.
“Grrr…Boof!”
Someone was coming up the trail. “It’s alright, Buck.” Jesus was back at my side. “That’s Peter, with Andrew, James, and John.” Sure enough, I caught the scent of his friends. Those guys smelled like fish no matter how long they stayed away from the water.
“Everyone is looking for you,” said Peter. “Who me?” I barked back. Oops, he was talking to Jesus. “Let’s visit the other towns and I’ll preach there, too. That’s why I’m here,” Christ said. And, just like that, it was back to the crowds.
Folks, when you’re nobody’s dog it easy to feel like just another follower. But it wasn’t like this with Jesus. No matter how busy it got, he was still my special friend, and I was his.
This piece of historical fiction is dedicated to the memory of the real Buck: a chocolate lab who was a gun dog par excellence. That’s Buck below, sitting in a duck blind watching his owner for the next command. It was his intense gaze (in the photo) that sparked this story series. 🙏 May each of us look to God with the same level of devotion.
This story is based on the events recorded in Mark 1:32-38
A special thanks to Beth Alisan, of Lessons from a Lab for helping make this post possible.
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