WHO IS HE?

WHO IS HE?

As a quiet man walked into a crowded café that held a long line of customers, all heads turned as he quickly made his way to the front counter.  The busy restaurant staff was struggling desperately to fulfil the needs of their customers.  Discerning their harried circumstance, this man stood up on a chair and called out, “Who will join me in preparing and serving food for all of these people?”  At once, several people emerged from the crowd and raced toward the counter, offering their assistance.  This impromptu leader (let’s call him Joshua) smiled warmly and quickly tutored them on what they needed to know to be effective preparers and servers.  In the middle of all this commotion, a young boy started choking.  Joshua, quickly rushed to his aid and dislodged a cookie from the small child’s throat, heroically saving his life.

As the morning rush subsided, Joshua walked outside for a break, where he noticed a homeless man lying on the sidewalk.  Joshua had compassion on the man, and offered him leftover food from the cafe.  The incredibly grateful man thanked Joshua and vowed to return his good deed.  As people learned what Joshua was doing, they surrounded him, and listened intently while he shared valuable lessons about the purpose of life, and how they should live accordingly.  Many people followed Joshua back into the café and the crowd continued to grow in number and curiosity.  Joshua asked the staff how much food they had left and they anxiously informed him that there were only two scones and five croissants remaining.  He assured them that this would not be an issue, and began dividing up the food, placing it on plates to be handed out to the people.  When everyone was fed, the staff came and offered him twelve plates of leftovers.

After Joshua shared his powerful stories, followed by eager questions from the crowd, another man entered.  He had a very stern countenance and disposition. This man (let’s call him Jude) walked straight over to Joshua and inquired demandingly, “Where is your uniform?”  Joshua looked startled for a moment, then he explained that he was merely offering assistance during a time of genuine need.  Jude identified himself as a Health Department Food Safety Officer and summarily proceeded to inspect the café.  All the while, he questioned Joshua’s authority and demanded to know what he had been up to in the café that day.  

Jude informed the crowd, “This man poses a serious risk to your health and safety!  He has no right to prepare food; he is totally unqualified!”  The crowd murmured quietly as the food inspector continued.  “Not only could he have given you food poisoning, who knows whether he will be able to pay for all this ‘free’ food?” The crowd became terribly agitated.  The inspector scowled at the man, “You may never come into this cafe again!  Now leave!” he demanded.  The people began to push Joshua until he fell to his knees, and then stumbled toward the door. 

The door closed on him and the people sat there, talking, ignoring and totally rejecting this man, Joshua.  With tears in his eyes, he had left the premises.  Three days later, the café door swung open.  This time, the café owner was standing there, hand in hand with his beloved son, Joshua. The father simply declared, “This café belongs to my son and me.  Just eat heartily and enjoy your meal; I have already paid your bill!” The people rejoiced as they celebrated the magnanimous generosity of this father and son.  They apologized profusely for the earlier rejection of the son and offered their eternal gratitude for his many kindnesses.  Soon, the good news regarding this free café spread everywhere, and predictably, it was a remarkable hit.  All of their joy and contentment was directly due to the boundless love of a man called Joshua.   

Is Joshua reminiscent of anyone you have encountered?  If not, check out Romans 10:8-10.  If so, are you striving daily to be more like him?

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!