MORE......June 11, 2008
The Stranger’s Voice
(John 21:4)
Some years ago at a resort area along the East Coast, a small community was having an open town meeting about some financial problems they were facing. Among the two dozen or more in attendance was one man no one recognized a visitor who had apparently dropped in for the meeting. The discussion focused on the desperate state of the town’s coffers and on possible ways to raise funds.
During the discussion, the stranger attempted several times to make a comment about various projects being considered, but each time he was interrupted. Eventually, he quit and left the hall.
Just as the unknown visitor exited, someone arriving late came into the hall. Out of breath from hurrying, the late-comer asked, “What was he doing here? Is he going to help us?”
The rest asked, “Who are you talking about?”
He said, “You mean you don’t know? That was John D. Rockefeller who just left the hall. His yacht is in our harbor. Didn’t you get his help?”
In despair someone replied, “No, we didn’t get his help. We didn’t know who he was.”
This true story illustrates two key points:
First, good manners will always have their rewards and rudeness its price.
Second, this story reminds us that we may become so busy trying to find the solution to a problem, we may drown out the voice of the Master who has all solutions among His vast resources.
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