If
you could share a meal with anyone (living or dead), who would it be (and why)?
Here is my story. At my work (on a Monday afternoon) I received one of the most
unusual e-mails that has ever come across my work computer. Jesus Christ (from
the email jesusis@risen.com) invited me to dessert with him Friday evening at a
café on the south side of the city.
It
had been a rough week at work with my data input job with the state. (There
were lots of computer issues.) Friday evening was finally here. I was ready for
a discussion with a knowledgeable friend and some decadent dessert. Once inside
the café, I was directed to my table where Jesus was waiting for me. My heart
would have recognized him anywhere.
The
neatly trimmed black hair, beard, and mustache, the khaki pants, and the pink,
long sleeve, dress shirt (minus the tie) were familiar to me for some reason,
but why? His tan face with its twinkling blue eyes, friendly smile, and His confident
handshake contrasted with the gaping wounds in his hands. (I knew how those marks
had gotten there. His feet would have similar scars. It was hard not to stare.)
Once
our orders of coffee and slices of chocolate raspberry cheesecake (for both of us)
were served I immediately barraged Jesus with all of my questions. (He didn’t
seem to be bothered in the least with my burning desire to know why on all of
my questions.)
“Why
did you allow my father and brother to die? I needed them.” I desperately pleaded.
He
smiled and said, “I needed them more. It was their time to come live with me. They
(and many others) can’t wait to see you one day.
“Jesus,
you know how much I love my daughter, but I had also hoped for a son to pass
down my last name. My wife and I went through eight miscarriages. Where are our
babies?” I asked.
He
looked over, and calmly proclaimed, “I am keeping your children healthy and
safe in Heaven for you and your wife.
You have four strong sons to pass on your name, and four lovely daughters
for your wife to adore.”
I
wanted to cry at this point, but I had to keep it together.
“I
have had so many struggles and challenges (like cancer) that completely changed
the direction of my life. I am so very weary and angry.”
“My
son, your life has not been easy. Your challenges have made you in a man that I
can use to touch the lives of those around you. I love you, and am so very
proud of all you have accomplished in you life.”
Our
time together for dessert and talking had ended too soon. Jesus paid the
checks; we shook each others hands; and the Son of God reassured me if my
family ever needed Him that He was only a prayer away. As we left each other, could
my family ever believe the fantastic story I had to tell them about my sweet
time with the Savior?
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