Ravi Zacharias was one of the finest human beings I’ve had the privilege of knowing.
He passed away on May 19th, 2020. In this week’s newsletter, I want to share a story and a poem from the many stories and poems he told and recited during his lectures.
Story
Sherlock Holmes and Watson were on a camping trip and went to sleep after a long day. In the middle of the night, Holmes nudged Watson.
"Watson," he said, "look up at the sky and tell me what you see."
"I see millions and millions of stars," Watson replied.
"What does that tell you?" Holmes questioned.
Watson pondered the question and then said,
"Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo.
Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are small and insignificant.
Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.”
Watson paused and asked holmes "What does it tell you?"
Holmes was silent for a minute before speaking. "Watson, you idiot!" he said with a measure of restraint. "Someone has stolen our tent!"
This story is from a lecture Mr.Zacharias gave at The Princeton university.
He told this in the context of missing the big picture while debating theism and atheism.
Poem
He came to my desk with a quivering lip,
the lesson was done.
“Have you a new sheet for me, dear teacher?
I’ve spoiled this one”.
I took his sheet, all soiled and blotted
and gave him a new one all unspotted.
And into his tired heart I cried,
“Do better now, my child.”
I went to the throne with a trembling heart;
the day was done.
“Have you a new day for me, dear Master?
I’ve spoiled this one.”
He took my day, all soiled and blotted
and gave me a new one all unspotted.
And into my tired heart he cried,
“Do better now, my child.”
- Unknown
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I will write to you next week 😘