A Stranger In Our
Midst
As Joy entered the large Sunday school room where Bible
Study would be held, a warm feeling stole into her heart. She looked at the
cheerful, complacent faces of her brothers and sisters who had ended up in the
same class as her and it increased the feeling of security.
A
visitor was in their midst, and although many smiled cordially at him, no one
was bold enough to ask for introductions; that is until Clifford came in. Clifford had them all introduce themselves and
the stranger said his name also. Joy heard him say David Schmidt clear enough,
but his accent was unfamiliar so she couldn’t catch where he was from.
Soon her
husband, Nathan, started the discussion by reading the first verse of the text
and they continued around the circle until done. The danger of being led astray
by false teachers was a weighty topic and led to a lively discussion. It seemed
like everyone in the room was deeply concerned that they follow Jesus as
closely as possible so that they would not be deceived. Mention was made of losses in their midst,
because of choosing an ‘easier’ way. Joy
loved being in Bible study: it felt like the walls of the invisible church were
so strong and secure when she sensed the Holy Spirit’s presence flowing from
heart to heart. All too soon the second bell rang and they filed out. Nathan
stopped to shake David’s hand, and Joy listened to what the two men had to say.
“Why don’t
you ask him if he has a place for night?” Joy whispered to her husband, so he
did.
Soon
church was over and David seemed reluctant to get into the car. Joy wondered
how he had gotten to the meeting but didn’t think it was appropriate to appear
too inquisitive. Since he seemed like such a quiet, yet likeable fellow, Nathan
and Joy soon found themselves chatting with each other while he listened
intently.
David seemed
taken aback when he saw their house. It took a moment for him to find his
voice.
“Is this
where you live,” he asked?
“Yes.”
Nathan looked surprised. Why did he ask?
David hesitated, swallowed then
asked. “Do you live here all by yourself?”
“Yes,
well, with my wife. Come on in and we’ll make some coffee.”
David
seemed more hesitant and amazed then ever after they walked in the house. He
stood and looked around for a full minute before it registered that Nathan had
suggested that he sit down.
