And it came to pass that when he returned, having received the kingdom,
he then commanded these servants to be called unto him,
to whom he had given the money,
that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
Luke 19 - 15
Sheila sat on the hillside and gazed across the valley towards the setting sun everything so beautiful, so peaceful. Suddenly the thought came into her head "what if tomorrow never comes" and the music played in her head settling on the words "there's no second chance"
That afternoon she had been watching a video by the late great David Wilkerson who had clearly won his crown of glory and was now well and truly home. Surely the trumpets sounded as the gates flung open wide and there amongst the multitude waiting to welcome him George Bowen (bombaybowen.wordpress.com/) the man he considered his inspiration.
This amazing man was recorded as being THE example 'of what a Christian is' even to the heathen idol worshippers he lived and walked amongst, and yet in his forty plus years of ministry in India it is stated Bowen had not one convert.
A seed lies dormant until a specific trigger starts its growth. Surely the same can be said of sowing the seeds of faith. God decides when - all he requires is that we sow, he is the trigger. Taking the years into account 1840 - 1888 it is not surprising there isn't a record of lives changed. It was hardly the era of today's flamboyant evangelists, lear jet and all. Yes, they fill the pews with a personal agenda, one look at the palace they call home says it all. Hear this, be very afraid of the Day of my Lord.
The commentary stated "it was only after his death in 1888 that missionaries discovered he was one of the most beloved missionaries in the Nation. David Wilkerson wrote "His humble life and powerful words still enflame my soul and the souls of others worldwide" Obviously the people saw Christ in his witness, and the outcome, only God has the head count.
"I can match that" Sheila considered.
David Wilkerson - millions upon millions of converts even now, via the internet.
Sheila Wilson - nil - and not even worthy to receive a crown, what would the Lord say reading her performance figures on the great Audit day.
In her imaginary interview Sheila swallows hard "I kept You close to my heart Lord. But perhaps in my defence I might add "I did throw seed around and speak your Truth at every given opportunity, but even the legalists and pharisees called me a 'critical spirit, disruptive, disrespectful of their God given leadership. Non christians considered I had a bad case of religious mania or I was just plain mad as a box of ferrets.
Memories surfaced of Christians she had met on her pilgrimage who were busily re-writing the Jewish Messiah out of their bibles, creating another Jesus, blatantly ignoring Matthew 5 - 20 and the fact that Jesus's ministry fulfilled the law but didn't abolish it.
Sadly whatever she witnessed was contradicted by those who were twisting doctrine to suit their life styles. True nicolaitans, they wanted the world and the church in that order, and finally when enough was enough it was time to leave - Revelation 18 - 4 "come out of her My people"
Her study bible taught "know that those who have the greatest knowledge of the Truth will be held accountable to the wise stewardship of that knowledge. There will surely be much dancing when Messiah returns some "DANCING ON HOT COALS"
Another memory surfaced. She stood at the open doorway of her church as a greeter. Most walked past already engaged in conversation. Occasionally a parishioner smiled and exchanged salutations. She was warmly wrapped against the bitter cold, fur hat, gloves, thick coat and snug boots. The arriving vicar probably considered she looked more like a refugee from Siberia. "Can you take that hat off" he instructed "it doesn't say much about the heating system in the church" Whether it was dry wit or a serious order she obediently removed the offending hat, embarrassed by his curt remark.
Back to the imaginary audit. How could she even stand alongside her elderly sister in Christ who pounded the streets of the city in fair or foul weather offering soup, sandwiches and drinks to the homeless boys on the street. Totally oblivious of any hurtful or sarcastic comments she told them "Jesus loves you" but many were blind seeing only the material world and their plight. Audrey saw a soul screaming inside a drug tormented mind and a dysfunctional body and she wanted to keep trying, just one of many saints striving and burning themselves out against the rising tide of darkness.
"But Lord" said Sheila " (probably in a vain attempt to qualify her feeble actions) "surely it is written,
the conclusion, the end game, and only the Father knows the day. And when You come back every knee will bow, every tongue confess Your Lordship. Romans 14 - 11
She continued "I really did try Lord, but they remain blind and deaf, arrogant, so full of their own considered superior intelligence and prominence in the scheme of things, surely it takes more than my simple witness, perhaps a 'Road to Damascus' job. "Lord is it so wrong to just want to be a Mary? because that is where I long to be, close to you.
Luke 10 - 39 - 42
And Jesus answered and said unto her Martha, Martha,
thou art careful and troubled about many things;
But one thing is needful; and Mary has chosen that good part,
which shall not be taken away from her.
The juke box starting playing in her head the popular Carpenter song "Close to You" and she sang out loud with a slight variation "Just like me, they need to be, close to You."
Sheila scrambled to her feet, reached for her faithful companion Tess and began the journey down the hillside, through the grazing flock of sheep, towards the twinkling lights in the valley and as she went she whispered a silent prayer. "Lord, I am just so grateful to be one of Your sheep. Love you Lord" she whispered "I'll try harder - that's a promise"
SHALOM