Paws and Reflect (6): Digging for Answers

Hello, two-legged friends. It’s me again, Buck, a dog who followed Jesus. Today, I’ll tell you a story about a time I helped someone get to him–so they could be healed.

If Jesus had a hometown, it was the seaside village of Capernaum. Nazareth is where he came from, but many people there didn’t like him anymore—after he started teaching about God. To them, he was still a woodworker.

On the other hand, the folks in the fishing towns, like Bethsaida and Capernaum, loved him! Peter and Andrew had houses in Capernaum, and I think James and John did too.  If you ask me, Jesus knew these fisher guys before they started following him everywhere. Maybe he used to fix their broken boats?

Anyway, when my best friend was back in town, everybody seemed to know. “Jesus is here!” I wish I had a juicy bone for every time I heard someone say that.🍖

Once, when he came home, a huge crowd swarmed us when we got off the boat. As usual, Jesus found a good place to teach. This time, it was a house, and so many people went inside they were spilling out the door!  I laid down outside to watch and listen.

I started to doze off, when here came these four guys—carrying another man on a mat. I knew what they were up to: their friend was sick, and they wanted Jesus to heal him. They came to the right person and the right place, but there was no way they were getting inside that packed house!

Then I overheard one of them, “Hey, we could dig a hole in the roof and lower him down to Jesus.” Now they really had my attention. Ole Buck is a good digger.🐾🐾 

The men carefully carried their friend up the hill behind the house. I followed, of course, and when they started digging, I joined right in. I’m not bragging, but my four paws were faster than their eight bare hands. I got a good hole started in no time—spraying a cloud of dirt behind me. But then I hit something like rock; paws can’t scratch through that. The four guys had stepped back, when I made dirt fly, so I barked to let them know it was their turn.

They came, pulled some square rocks out of the way, and we were in!  Sunlight poured into the hole, and guess who was first to peer down, when the dust cleared? We were right over Jesus, and he looked up and saw me. “Buck! What are you doing?” But he knew. Jesus always knew.

The guys lowered their friend down into the crowd, and my best friend told him to “Get up, take his mat, and go home.” And he did!  To everyone’s amazement, the sick man was totally healed.

This is one of my favorite things about Jesus, he never seemed to mind interruptions—especially from someone who really needed his help. Folks, he’s just that kind of friend.

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.

Jesus–Matthew 12:50 (NIV)

This piece of historical fiction (the dog part, not the miracle) is dedicated to the memory of the real Buck: a chocolate lab who was a gun dog par excellence. That’s him 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. May each of us look to God with the same level of devotion.

Photo used by permission from Buck’s owner. Scripture added by Beth Alisan.

Look to the Lord and His strength. Seek His face always.

Psalm 105:4

*The story of Jesus healing a paralytic is found in Matthew 9:2-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke 5:18-26.

A special thanks to Beth Alisan, from lessonsfromalab, for helping make this story possible. Here’s a link to her post about Buck: A Moment With Our Creator: Psalm 105:4

Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.

©️2018-2024, davidsdailydose, David Duncan. All Rights Reserved. 

Comments

34 responses to “Paws and Reflect (6): Digging for Answers”

  1. jesusluvsall Avatar

    every time I read one of your Buck posts, I think about how I wish I could have a dog

    Liked by 1 person

  2. K.L. Hale Avatar

    Thank you, David! It’s my blessing! Oh, how have I missed these? Well,…I know why. Tee hee. I’m so happy when I can read your stories. How wonderful for this series (did you know how much I love dogs?). God bless you and yours, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Karla! I’ve written six of these stories, starring Jesus and Buck, and hope to write more. You can find them all on my blog by searching for Paws & Reflect. Beth, from lessonsfromalab is a good blogger friend. Thanks for stopping by, Karla! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. K.L. Hale Avatar

    David, I loved this so much! You know how much I love Jesus? AND dogs? I’ve always imagined a good dog walking with Jesus–and here, between your awesome storytelling, devoted ol’ Buck, and the great picture by another friend, you have a winning tale! I want to look upon my Savior with eyes like Buck–I think I do! I believe Jesus loved all creatures and of course, would love a great furry companion like Buck around! God bless you, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You’re most welcome, Rocky. Thank you for reading them and commenting. I aim to stay true to the biblical account, while adding a loyal dog’s perspective. Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Rocky Avatar

    Thank you for your telling the story(ies) through the eyes of Buck.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar

    🤗 Yes, The Chosen series needs a Labrador! Thank you for the encouragement, Beth. I don’t know how many more Buck stories I have in me, but I think there are some.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Beth Alisan Avatar

    David, delightful as always! I love how you seamlessly work Buck and all his natural God-given talents into the story. I was struck by the thought that The Chosen series is missing a character- Buck.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. davidsdailydose Avatar

    My thoughts exactly! Thanks for stopping by. God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. God Still Speaks Avatar

    Buck is a good boy and a good digger! No wonder Jesus likes having him around!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Nicola. Interruption is a daily given, in my current job. Always dealing with it patiently, or at least graciously, is a challenge. I can only imagine that Jesus dealt with breaks in his daily plans much more. I appreciate your insights.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. seeingliketheeagle Avatar

    Such an engaging post David. Love the way you have weaved this story together through Buck. My favourite bit is the reminder that Jesus doesn’t mind being interrupted by those in need. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  13. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks for the encouragement, Pete. It means a lot, coming from a great writer like you.

    Like

  14. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Gary.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Gary Fultz Avatar

    Love the creativity David.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. pastorpete51 Avatar

    I used to tell stories to teach the Bible for young boys before I did much writing. I can tell you for a fact that if you dive into the scene yourself as you are telling them these Buck stories are first rate!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Andy B. God Bless you, brother.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Pete! I may look for a place to tell these Paws & Reflect stories. A friend at church sends them to her grandchildren. Perhaps they make good kid stories?

    Liked by 2 people

  19. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I agree. Dogs are truly great friends! I’m glad you enjoyed the story, Priscilla. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Priscilla Bettis Avatar

    Dogs are so special. Thanks for sharing this Jesus and Buck story!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. pastorpete51 Avatar

    These are great stories Dave. You should try them out in for a Saturday story telling session at the library. They feel almost like something you would hear around a campfire.

    Liked by 2 people

  22. BerryBunch.family Avatar
    BerryBunch.family

    I love these stories.

    Andy B

    Liked by 1 person

  23. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks for reading and commenting. My understanding is (from Beth) the real Buck lived to be 16. I assume the photo is of him—in his younger days.
    God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Catsandcoffee Avatar

    Awesome story and I believe God takes his animals back. I doubt Buck was that old but that could have happened with a different dog. We’ll never know.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, brother! And thanks also for sharing the link. We enjoy the same types of music—gospel and classical. Have a blessed day!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, brother Eric. Beth Alisan is a blogger friend who often posts about her two labs, Adi and Summer. Buck belonged to a friend of hers, and his picture (with her original post) inspired this story series. I started with the first installment back in March of 2023.
    Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Alan Kearns Avatar

    I can’t help but get excited when I see another Buck story in your blog David, they are such a breath of fresh air 😊
    The phrase “He’s that kind of friend” is so true and reminds me of a great Walter Hawkins gospel song of that title.

    Liked by 2 people

  28. DailyArmorDevotional Avatar

    Good story. I grew up reading dog stories of every kind. When I saw that Choccy lab I knew I’d be hooked!

    We don’t often think about how Jesus interacted with the animals around himself, but I have no doubt he loved them and cared for them…especially the dogs. 😉

    Thanks for sharing, brother David!
    Have a great day!

    Liked by 1 person

  29. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you! Yes, the real Buck was much loved, and an excellent retriever. I appreciate your stopping by today. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes, he was. As I recall, Beth said he lived to the ripe old age of 16. Thanks for reading and commenting, Barb! Have a blessed weekend.

    Liked by 2 people

  31. My Life in Our Father's World Avatar

    What a great way to tell this story. Buck was quite a handsome dog!

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Don't Lose Hope Avatar

    I love these “tales”! And the real Buck looks like a beautiful, warm and friendly dog : )

    Liked by 2 people

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