Chapter – 25 ‘The Sargent’s visit to Brooklyn’
In Brooklyn, the Gorsech family had just finished the Holiday meal and were gathering in the family room; Yosef was asked by an uncle, “How was it you became a Christian, Yosef?”
He told them that Jeff, who was a recent friend, was supposed to have met a friend named Marci, at the coffee shop. “I was sitting at the table they were supposed to meet at.” We just happened to meet by accident. Rebekah screeched, then said, “It wasn’t an accident, it was a divine appointment. It was very similar to Saul meeting the Lord on the road to Damascus, wasn’t it?” Acts 9:1-7 & 15-16 Grandpa Jesse, commented, “Amen, I agree with your sister.”
Yosef looked at his grandfather and smiled before he spoke to those gathered at his parents’ home. “The ways of God concerning Messiah Jesus is a mystery and only understood by those having Faith. The Holy Spirit indwells and provides the understanding to the faithful follower.” He told them that Father Abraham, through Faith, left the land of Ur and traveled to the land God led him too. Genesis 11:31-12:1-8. Yosef asked as he looked at his mom, “If God said, sell all your possessions in America and move to Israel, would you do it?” Not a one spoke but their minds were in thought so he paused an extra moment.
Yosef looked around the room and then he asked another question, “Have you ever read Isaiah 53:1-12?” Yosef spoke the words slow and clear. He had memorized these verses shortly after his friend Jeff had read them to him. Yosef mentioned six more OT verses before grandpa spoke, “Several months ago, close to a year now, I bought a large study bible at the Christian book store and have been comparing some of the passages. I think we Jews missed the boat.” He told them that if the things written about Jesus were true, then he was our Messiah and the Jewish leaders of the time made a big mistake.
It was quiet and all eyes were on Grandpa Jesse. He spoke several of the passages in the Hebrew Scriptures and then he spoke about the fulfillment that took place. Then he asked, “What IF the High Priest and others of the Sanhedrin had repented and accepted Jesus like the disciples had done? Would Jesus have setup his kingdom right then and there?” It was quiet for several moments. Grandpa finally laughed, then spoke, “No! The Romans would have probably killed him anyway because only Cesar could be KING. Mankind then and now needed the blood atonement for the forgiveness of sin, didn’t it? It was the blood on the door frame in Egypt that was needed to save the firstborn; it’s the blood of Messiah that’s needed for saving the soul of you and me today.” The room was quiet as all eyes were still on Jesse.
Valentine, as a Christ follower finally broke the silence, “Trust in God the Son is what ALL of mankind needs. Scripture reads that HE died once for all, Hebrews 9:26-28, so the blood needed for atonement has already been provided. Each of us with our own mouths must confess Jesus as our Savior. God didn’t make it hard.” Rebekah put her arm around his waist and leaned her head on to his chest. Valentine spoke again, “Would any of you like to make that choice?” All eyes were now looking in his direction. He told them to just speak as though praying and tell Jesus that they were confessing before others that he was Messiah and Lord; that they were putting their trust in him for the salvation of their souls. Moments later there were some of Yosef’s family softly speaking.
Rebekah softly whispered, “Thank you.”
The next morning Mar’yam was up sitting on the porch when Valentine and Rebekah came out the door for an early morning walk. “Can I walk with you this morning,” she asked? Valentine was soon walking between the two ladies as they strolled through the park.
After several minutes Mar’yam spoke, “I didn’t talk with your Jesus last evening but I have some questions.” She told them that the scripture made sense but she needed more convincing. What she said next surprised Valentine, “I always wondered what made such a big change in Rach’s life; did she ask Jesus to become her Savior, Jaye?” He told her that Rach had made the commitment while they were in high school. They walked in silence for another five minutes before Mar’yam spoke again. “Can either of you tell me why my daughter had to die? Was God punishing her or me?” 2 Samuel 12: is the story. vs.-15 is the result..
Valentine put his arm over her shoulder and then he spoke, “God is love and HE does not cause bad things to happen to good people. God’s own Son shed His blood and died but it was in the overall plan of God. IF someone has become a child of God by doing that which Jesus outlined; when they do die they go to a better place.” He told Mar’yam that he had grieved for eight years but Rach was in Paradise now; others are with her as well enjoying being where they are; that’s with Christ Jesus.
Mar’yam started to cry; Rebekah moved to her other side and softly spoke, “Being sad or heartbroken is how we all feel when tragedy comes into our lives. Wouldn’t you like to know that one day when you die, you will be in the same place as Rachel and get to see her again? All those who choose Jesus will be with him for eternity.” Mar’yam responded, “Yes!”
How about YOU? Have you TRUSTED Christ Jesus as your Savior and Lord?
***
Go to the scriptures.
Acts 9:1-13, The Pharisee, Saul, is converted. [Chosen by God]
Gen. 11:31 – 12:8, Abraham leaves Ur and journeys to Israel. [Chosen by God]
Isaiah 53:1-12, Messiah has to suffer. [The plan of God]
Hebrews 9:26-28, God, the Son had to be the one suffering for our atonement. [The Suffering God]
2 Samuel 12, David and Bathsheba’s sin exposed to the Prophet. [The judgement of God as an example]
DG