Who Was That Man! | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Who Was That Man! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jim Newton
06/07/14
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Arthur Roth sat dejectedly on the bench in the lobby of the lofty building that had been his work point for many years. Arthur had just become unemployed. His sails, always so full of wind, were limp. A blank stare crawled across his face as his posture slowly degraded into a sinking slouch. He had become what most fear...a nobody.

Arthur had walked into his company offices that morning to be greeted by an unknown person that told him he had twenty minutes to clear out his personal belongings. The company was out of business, broke, kaput... It was all so cold. He had sacrificed his wife and children to divorce for this job. It was his life.

In his self-absorbed state, Arthur was annoyed when a man plopped down beside him.

The annoyance spoke, "Do you call that life? I don't. Well, Art, it isn't your life anymore. Naturally, it will take a little convincing after all these years of self delusion."

Arthur shot back with a glare, "Excuse me!"

"Come on. We've got to get you out of this depressing place." At that, the man grabbed Arthur's arm and pulled on it as he stood to leave.

"Who are you? Keep your hands off me."

"Ok, if you insist, I'm James. Quit you're worrying. I'm not going to mug you. I've come to save you." Grabbing Arthur's arm again and pulling him up and toward the revolving doors at the entrance as Arthur continued to struggle, "You have got to quit fighting me. You may never have this opportunity again. I suggest you accept my invitation. I'm here to save you. Ask Mr. Stevens, the guard here. A most faithful servant, I might add."

"Oh, yes, Mr. Roth, James is a good man with nothing but good intentions. You are perfectly safe in his care."

Arthur, wondering if the guard was in on a kidnap scheme and half dragged by James, exited the building and the pair proceeded awkwardly down the sidewalk.

After walking several blocks, they entered into a building adorned with a sign overhead: God's House. Inside were fifty tables packed with people eating on partitioned plastic trays while their laughing and talking filled the air.

Arthur stopped and this forced James to turn toward him, "I am not eating here."

James laughed loudly, "You're silly. I'm not giving you this kind of food. You need living food. Come on."

They wound their way through the serving line and kitchen area exiting through a door that opened into a large room filled with chairs and a stage at the front. A large group of people sat in a circle on the stage. One of the people appeared to be reading a verse from the Bible. The reading stopped as the two men made their way toward them. The entire group stood and smiled.

James released Arthur's arm as they entered into the middle of the circle saying, "Brothers and sisters, this is Art. He'll be joining you."

At that, the lady who had been reading, extended her hand to Arthur greeting him, "Art, I'm Jenny. Don't be afraid. Everything is going to be ok. You are with friends."

As if that was a signal, the rest of the group closed in around Arthur hugging him and introducing theirselves. Arthur was overwhelmed and confused.

A chair was brought for Arthur and, beginning with Jenny, all told their story. One after another, people told stories of life-ending events and their ensuing rebirth through Jesus Christ. Each person had at one time based their life on faith in themselves. When they had hit one of life's brick walls they had been smashed and nearly destroyed. All had lost what they thought was their life only to gain true life by accepting the invitation from God through Jesus Christ.

Arthur was captivated and truly affected by their stories. So it took a little time to notice the absence of James. The curiosity rose within him till he could stand it no longer. He stood and exclaimed , "Who was that man!"

Jenny smiled, "Who indeed. We know him only as James. He brought all of us here and gives no explanation but this, 'Through faith in God we will learn that who we are is not important. What we are is the important thing.' Now, when we hit a brick wall in life, we bounce right back through reliance on our faith. Do you accept his invitation?"

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