"A Tale of Two Geysers"

“A Tale of Two Geysers”

 

One of the features of Yellowstone National Park (a visit there is on my bucket list) is the approximately 200 geysers which shoot water and steam upward. The two best known are likely Steamboat and Old Faithful. These two natural wonders form an interesting contrast. Steamboat is probably the most powerful geyser in the Park, propelling its spray some 380 feet into the air. However, it does so at irregular intervals. In its history it once went 50+ years without a major eruption, then blew its top 29 times in 1964 and 23 times in 1982. Old Faithful, on the other hand, is far less impressive—its mist rises a little over 100 feet—but it performs regularly every 35 to 120 minutes. As  tourists, which would we be more likely to wait to see?

These two geysers form a great picture of God’s people. Some are like Steamboat: when they get involved in God’s work extraordinary things can happen but we never know when that might be. Others more closely resemble Old Faithful: their efforts may not be as spectacular but they can be counted on to “hang in there” over the long haul. Which has greater value to God? Let Him speak: “…It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Steamboat believers often make positive contributions to God’s work but it’s difficult to try to plan ministry around them (just as it is a vacation to view the geyser in Yellowstone). Conversely, Old Faithful believers can be counted on to serve quietly, dependably, and consistently. So a tale of two geysers is also a tale of two servants. Thus I must ask myself: Am I a Steamboat or Old Faithful follower of Christ?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan