| Two Sundays ago as I was wrapping up my mornings’ responsibilities at Bethlehem a man (whom I know only by face) came up to me with a story and a request. His story was about a practice taught him a long time ago to save five-dollar bills to use to help the less fortunate. As he handed me an envelope filled (I imagine … the envelope was sealed) with them he said, “Please give them anonymously to the gentleman who usually sits here.” The man had not been in church that day … and he had missed the individual who generally served as his courier. I took the envelope and agreed to help … even though I was not sure how I would get it from one person I did not know to another person that I did not know. A few days later I stopped by Bethlehem to ask the secretary for her assistance. However, even though it was during their posted office hours, no one answered the door. Assuming she was out for lunch, I decided to return on another day. So this past Monday I stopped by the church again. This time the secretary not only answered the door but was also very helpful. She knew the story, provided me with additional information and told me who the two individuals were. She also immediately called the usual courier to gain the information I needed to make the delivery. As I drove away the courier called to inform me that he had just spoken to the recipient of the envelope and that he had told the courier that he was going through a faith crisis. I immediately called the recipient and spoke with him for about a half hour. Then, after running a couple errands, I delivered the envelope. He invited me in and we talked for another while. Along with the envelope I gave him prayer journal and devotional book (that had been given to me to give away by another individual a couple days prior). As I was about to leave, he asked that I spend an extra moment to pray for him. After the prayer he asked if someone could give him a ride to the Advent service on Wednesday. Later that day the courier called to let me know he would be providing that ride. And today I want you to ask yourself about all of the “undercover action” God in Christ Jesus had taken to respond to this faith crisis … and as you make your list, I suggest you reflect upon 1 Peter 5.7: “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you.” One month ago, as I attended a funeral luncheon, I sat next to a man named Brad. We had met many times before, but it had been a long time … and I had to be refreshed on who he was. We had a great conversation on many things. He died unexpectantly on December 6. This morning I will be conducting his funeral. As I reflect upon the “undercover action” of our God at the November funeral I wonder what he might be up to today. |
Undercover Action
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