Unless Otherwise
Years ago, I learned a somewhat frustrating—yet somehow also endearing—Zambian catchphrase. I was taking my family to Luapula Province for ministry, and on the way, we stopped at a waterfall. We hiked a short distance through the bush and came to some beautiful pooling areas and a 20-foot drop. We were told many people jump off the top and into the deep pool below. It was a little boy’s dream, and my kids were beyond excited. What can I say? These boys were raised a little wild. I had visions of Swiss Family Robinson dancing in my head. But I was also a bit concerned… because in Africa, in pretty much every body of water, you have to be aware of crocodiles.
There was a “ranger” manning the visitor station at this remote waterfall, and when I asked him about crocodiles and whether it was actually safe to swim, he said:
“It should be fine…unless otherwise.”
I thought, “Hmmm. That sure leaves a lot to the imagination! Unless otherwise could actually mean it’s absolutely not fine! “Unless otherwise”—that’s not an answer! That’s open ended…anything could happen!”
Still, for some reason, we swam anyway. And by the grace of God, we were all safe—though of all the waterfalls, lakes, and rivers we swam in over the years, Mumbuluma Falls gave us the crocodile creeps more than any other.
Since then, unless otherwise has become a kind of family joke—an endearing reminder of Zambian nonchalance and the ability to take life as it comes.
As we prepare for our youth services building up to Easter, I had a thought:
Jesus lived His whole life on earth blowing people’s minds with “unless otherwise” moments.
Lepers should be doomed to lives of pain, sickness, and separation. Unless otherwise. Jesus showed up and healed them with a loving touch.
Demoniacs should be stuck in bondage, isolation, and fear. Unless otherwise. Jesus set the captives free.
Violent storms at sea should sink small wooden boats full of frightened disciples. Unless otherwise. Jesus calmed the storm with a word and turned fear on its ear!
Sin should forever separate us from God. Unless otherwise. Jesus paid the price of our total and lasting forgiveness on the cross.
Death should be final—the last chapter, the proverbial fat lady singing. Unless otherwise. Jesus rose from the dead. His resurrection made eternity possible for His followers… including you and me!
This week, thank God for His “unless otherwise” miracle-working power.
Celebrate all He’s done on your behalf. And no matter how weird, wacky, dangerous, wild, scary, or stressful things may seem—Jesus makes “unless otherwise” a game-changing possibility.
Lions know there’s always more to the story.