6/7/12
Jose, 54
I stopped by a park on my way home from work
to talk to the Lord about people and to talk to people about the Lord. I noticed a man on his bike, meandering
slowly around on the walkways but not really going anywhere. I felt an inner confirmation that I should
talk to him, so I did. "You'll
probably think I'm crazy, but I have an interesting question for you" is
how I began what turned out to be a 40 minute conversation. "What do you think happens after this
life?" Like so many people, Jose
had plenty of religious ideas and theories that seem to have come mainly from
conspiracy shows on cable TV, but when reminded of what the Bible actually teaches
those thoughts seemed to just disappear like a mist. The tantalizing conspiracy theories, supposed re-enactments,
authoritative-sounding interviews and mysterious background music just can't
stand against the authority of God's Word, take it or leave it. Our conversation reminded Jose of biblical
truths he remembered from his Catholic upbringing and others that he had
learned from two key conversations he has had with faithful Christians in years
past. Jose has been in jail several
times for driving without a license, and is facing another court date in about
a week. This was clearly on his mind and
he shared these problems with me but was also very interested in talking about
the things of the Lord. A key theme that
hit home with him is our need to "settle out of court" - to pursue a
right relationship with God here, now, during this life, before we face Him on
judgment day. He told me several times
that he felt the Lord was talking to him, and how before I stopped him he was
just riding his bike aimlessly, feeling like he was supposed to be there but
not sure why. "Now I know why, God
is trying to get my attention, and this time I'm listening!"
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