This was the opening joke from last Sunday morning’s sermon:

An official from DEFRA, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs turned up at a farm. The DEFRA official met the farmer and said, “I need to inspect your farm.”

“Okay,” said the farmer, “but don’t go in that field over there,” as he pointed out the location.

The DEFRA officer verbally exploded saying, “I have the authority of the Government to inspect your whole farm.” Reaching into his jacket pocket, the arrogant official produced a piece of paper and proudly displayed it to the farmer. “See this piece of paper? This is a permit that means I am allowed to go wherever I wish on this farm. I can go anywhere and look at anything. No questions asked; no answers needed! Have I made myself clear?”

The farmer nodded politely, apologized, and went about his work while the official began his inspection.

A short time later, the farmer heard loud screams, looked up, and saw the DEFRA official in the forbidden field, running for his life being chased by a big Hereford bull… With every step the bull was gaining ground on the official, who was clearly terrified. The farmer threw down his tools, ran to the gate and yelled at the top of his lungs: “Your permit, show him your permit!”

If you weren’t there or haven’t listened on our website you may wonder what it was for… I was looking at Luke 20:1-19 where the big question was ‘Who’s in charge?’

It’s a good question. How do you answer it?

You?

Your boss?

The government?

Family?

Benefits Agency?

God?

Who would you most trust to be in charge?

How might that change things for you?

Be blessed, be a blessing