Friday, October 11, 2013

Walking in the Dark


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“Worthy art thou, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power: for thou didst create all things, and because of thy will they were, and were created.” – Revelation 4:11

When the night fell upon the land, the earth fell quiet and those that were upon it lay in slumber.  Peace had come and for the remainder of their evening, they were at rest and had no fear of what might attack.  Through the pitch though they were aware that the creatures were not far away  and they must remain alert despite their weariness.  In the morning they could proceed to the next town or village as it were.  The roads were impassible at night, and there was certainty that they would endanger the entire tribe.  So behind the doors they held fast, singing softly and peacefully worshiping the Lord.

On the road from Jericho a man was walking alone, trying to make it to his friends and companions.  The night wind cut through his cloak and left him bitter cold as his feet stumbled over the stoned pathway.  Periodically, he would look into the darkness of the hills on either side of the road sure that he was being followed, but unsure of who or what it might be.  In the distance he could hear the bleating of the sheep and the whisper of the wind through the scarce trees and tall grass as he came around the bend in the road.  Suddenly, from nowhere a soft melody of praise fell upon his ears.  In a faint tone he could hear the worship being lifted to the God of Abraham, Jacob and David. 

He stumbled from the road, down the side path toward the beautiful melody.  He had heard of angels watching over men along the road from Emmaus and even some from Damascus had spoke of visions from above.  Here he was, a lonely traveler, hungry and tired, miles from the city of Jericho, but even farther from his destination in Bethlehem.  Through the darkness he walked, stumbling yet determined to find the voices in the wilderness that seemed to be calling to him.  As he came over the top of the hill, he saw the small home in the valley, smoke coming from the fire pit. 

He neared the home and the voices became quiet, still and empty.  He heard rustling inside, but could not make out the words being spoken in a whisper.  Then the door sprang open and a large man stood in the opening, shielding the women and children from the stranger.  “What do you want here?  We need nothing from you.”, the larger man said in the darkness.  The traveler stumbled upon the porch and fell at the man’s feet.  “Please Sir, a weary traveler, nothing more.  Simply in need of warmth and a morsel if you could spare.” 

The man moved from the doorway and caught the traveler in his arms.  He put his arm around him and helped him into the house, near the fire.  He set him down upon a stool and wrapped a blanket over his shoulders.  The children and women stood at a distance, in the shadows of the room, but kept an eye upon the stranger.  A cup of water was provided along with a piece of bread, as the large man took a seat across from him.  “Where are you coming from, and where are you going at this hour?”  “My wife is sick and in need of medicine that is in Bethlehem.  I am traveling at night in fear that she might not make it to morning.  I just need to rest and then be on my way.”

“What brought you from the road to our home?”  “Your singing, the melody carried upon the wind and drew me to you.  A sound so beautiful as if angels were singing.”, replied the stranger.  “indeed we were praising our Lord, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  For in the darkness they provide our strength and courage against the evils of this world.  Lifting our voices to heaven, worshiping and bringing glory to God Almighty will cover this house and all that dwell within, just as it did for our ancestors in Egypt and Bethany and Capernaum.  You may stay as long as you like and then I will travel on with you.  It is not safe for you to travel these roads alone at night.  We can return in the morning and then you can be on your way home to your wife.  But please, eat and be filled with the spirit of the Lord in this place.”
“Thank you.  Your kindness and generosity must earn you rewards with your Creator.  I for one do not adhere to such beliefs. I have learned to trust in my self and my capabilities alone, for others will not care to love one such as me.  Tell me, why have you opened your home to me?” 
“You see young man, our God is a God of love, mercy and grace.  His Son, Jesus, walked the streets of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and along the Jordan River.  He healed many; the blind, the sick and even those that had crossed over were brought back to life.  He sought the Father in all things and taught us to love one another and to serve one another as He had served us.  We abide in His laws and strive to lift glory to Him and Him alone.  Come let us sing a song of worship and thanksgiving for your safe travels and the Lord’s loving guidance.”
            “How great is our God, sing with us,
             How great is our God, all will sing,
            How great, how great is our God.”
After singing a few songs, the men bundled up and made their way through the opening, instruction the woman to lock the door behind them.  Together they walked and they talked about God, about creation, about love and about His Son, Jesus Christ.  Soon they were entering the gates to the city and found their way to the medical practitioners home.  With Medicine in hand the two men began the long trek back to the hill country outside of Jericho.  As the sun rose over the Eastern horizon, the men said their good-byes and the stranger left on his own.  In the distance though, they could still hear him singing praise and worship to the Lord, of his new found faith.  Once again, God’s creation has come back to his place of rightful ownership.  The man would carry the testimony home with him and share it with his ailing wife, as the Lord’s kingdom was expanded that one day, thousands of years ago. 

Seek the lost today my friends and help them find their way back to the truth.     
© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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