Long Lost Blues Brother Stops By For A Visit
The gentleman at the door said hello, and that God had told him to stop by to see me. That got my attention. I did a quick scan to make sure he was not concealing a weapon or bomb or some other device that God might want him to use, and then invited him to come inside and have a seat. He was elderly, walked with a limp, and had an eye swollen half closed. I was not too interested in chitchat, but did want to know what this mission from God was all about. He told me he was an Apostle of God, a Reverend, who had recently moved from Ohio to this area to begin a “Ministry of Restoration” for troubled pastors. Troubled pastors? I told him I might have my conflicts within and without, and sometimes even with God, but that basically I am at peace. He smiled and said his intention was to establish an ongoing ministry to churches and pastors throughout the region. Fine, I said. Then he got down to the more immediate purpose of the visit. He had some health problems associated with diabetes that required a trip to a physician in Columbus, with the costs being around $100. And God had told him to stop by and make this request.
So, I’m thinking, “How do you argue with God?” It’s really an unfair device of religious debate, and I see it employed quite a bit. If one feels that God has told him to do something, then he is likely not to be dissuaded. No amount of reason, logic, conversation, or counter will suffice.
Really, he was a pleasant man, and I felt compassion for his plight. As best I could discern, truly he did travel across country without financial means simply because he felt it to be God’s will. He told me he had a couple of Bible college degrees, and seemed to be fairly rational and reasonable, except for his faith. I told him that I was concerned for his well-being, that he seemed like a nice and sincere person who truly loved God. But even the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker who did not just strike out on a mission in abject poverty. And I told him we already have capable people in this area who do his projected ministry, noted and trusted counselors and therapists with established offices & clientele.
Simply he smiled at me. He knew I did not understand. And at that moment I realized there was a gulf of difference between us. And, who knows? Maybe, for his place and time in life, indeed his life is at this moment most pleasing to God?
So I gave him some money, held his hands, and voiced a prayer for God’s guidance and protection.
Sigh.
10.20.09 (8:22 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.20.09 (6:47 pm)
Clearly, you just did not get it. This man was sent by GOD! Didn't you HEAR him?
God once told me to ask people to give me five-hundred grand, and assured me that if I did it right, the very least I'd end up with was a quarter mil. He said that would tide me over very nicely for three or four years, after which he'd show me how to step up the scam to the tune of adding a few more zeros.
Alas, I didn't have the right sort of faith. God then gave me a zerbert and told me I was a real disappointment.
Sigh.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
10.20.09 (11:24 pm)
Oh dear, dear, dear... I am afraid I would not have been as trusing as you.
Perhaps I can thank God that I have not been in a position similar to that man and needed to ask for money in such a manner.
Amen to you for your kind heart!
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
10.21.09 (6:37 am)
i probly would have done the same thing. who are we to judge?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.21.09 (6:58 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
I think I had him figured out. Deluded. Sincere, earnest, and most likely "off his rocker" just a bit. I meet quite a few people of such persuasion. And, hey, there are those who believe I fit the category!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.21.09 (7:04 am)
Reply to: auntconi
He seems to me a fundamentalist. That's not an insult, just an observation. It means he interprets literally and rather directly the teachings of the scriptures, preferably KJV. Luke 10:2foll. instructs the disciples of Christ to strike out in ministry, and to take no provisions with you, but trust God to provide. I don't think that passage of scripture is meant for literal application in all circumstances. But some do.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.21.09 (7:06 am)
Reply to: surrogate
Hey, if God TRULY told you that, then I will gladly add 99 cents to your PayPal account.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.21.09 (2:48 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
Geez. You're too cheap to round up?
posted by:
Beaverteeth (
reply)
post date:
10.21.09 (6:25 pm)
I am on a mission to restore sanity to a dear friend of mine! Would you like to make a contribution? I will fill you in on the details later.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.21.09 (6:57 pm)
Reply to: Beaverteeth
Are you really qualified to help another person with his/her sanity? Anyhow, check is in the mail.
posted by:
L. Mock (
reply)
post date:
11.03.09 (3:41 pm)
As the daughter of a minister, I can assure you that not everyone who says they've been sent by God to do you a favor and not everyone who says they have a need is speaking the truth. Neither are all of them lying. However, you were wise to give this man SOME money, because you never know when you're entertaining "angels unaware." I've seen my dad and his church taken in many times, a couple times by the same deadbeat, uh, I mean, prophet, uh, I mean, well, you know what I mean. Seriously, what you, or anyone else, gives to people such as this man is between you and the Lord, and we all know the Lord loves a cheerful giver. What he does with the taker is not up to us to decide.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
11.04.09 (5:32 am)
Reply to: L. Mock
Interestingly, this man showed up for worship at church this past Sunday. Of course he is very welcome, and I will follow up with a call to him later this week. His true agenda will become more obvious with time. I guess I should be open?
