Three Men Set Out

Three-man set out on a path and are walking along the way. Each of these three men will have been saved through faith in Christ within the last year or so, and have had some good measure of reading of the Scriptures and instruction in doctrine.

As they set out along the way together, they each intend to go on for some distance. Yet, after having travelled some good ways, they come to realize they have left their provisions behind. Even so, they continue on for the remainder of the day in good fellowship. Through that evening, camping out in the night, they set out yet again the following day along the way.

At some point throughout that next day they are met by a stranger along the road. The stranger greets them, and they greet the stranger in return. The stranger then asks the men, "Is there any way I can help or assist you? Is there anything that you might need?"

Now the three men had already spoken much that day, being now some 24 hours without food or drink, for they began to wonder about where they would find their next needs being met.

One of the three men gladly perceives that this stranger coming along to meet them is a certain stranger sent by God. Having read about it in the Scriptures, and having understood that he has a need, already himself being uncomfortable not having had water in 24 hours, he is glad to tell the stranger that he would prefer some assistance.

It is then that the stranger declares the requirement for assistance to be rendered: he tells them quite simply that he is happy to help them with anything they might have a need of, but that they must end their journey where they stand. They can go no farther, but rather turn to go with him a different route in order to receive the desired help.

At this the three men converse a little bit more. The first man, yet believing this man is an answer to prayer of the Lord is happy to turn aside. However, the other two men also having studied the Scriptures, yet believe that the Lord intends them to walk yet further.

So, they part in good spirits all. The one glad for the refreshment he is about to receive. The other two quite glad as well at the exercising of their faith, as they continue to entrust themselves to the living God.

The remaining two continue to walk along the way and stay overnight. Once again camping out, to then head on their way the following day. The second day.

Now it should be said that entering into the second day without water or food, while the latter is of some note, it seems the former is the one that is putting a particular stress upon the bodies. Still and all they continue along the way.

At some point through the day they are once again met by this stranger, who greets them and they greet him in response. The stranger yet again says, "Good afternoon, is there anything that I can help you out with today? Have you any needs?"

The second of the three gentlemen ascents, become exceedingly discomforted by the lack of water. He now believes that this stranger is indeed of the Lord. That his needs and desires have been met, and he intends to turn off the path. The stranger once more makes it plain, that in order to receive aid, that individual must indeed stop the journey right then and there and turn aside with him.

So, the second of the three gentlemen indeed excepts the offer of assistance. The third of the three gentlemen, he yet believes that through his study of the Scriptures, he is being called by God to continue on and believe for the Lord to meet him in a different way.

Once more, they part in love. Each, having appreciation for each of their individual decisions. So, the third man makes his way along the path, while the second turns aside with the stranger.

The remainder of the second day ends and the third man now camps out that night, alone and in much meditation. Upon awaking the next morning, he begins to set out for the third day of the journey.

It should be noted that being this is the third day now with no food or water, again the lack of the food being of some urgency or awareness, it is the lack of water that is truly becoming distressful to the man.

As he walks along the way this third day, in the middle of the day once more is he greeted by the stranger of the two days prior. The stranger greets him and says "Good day to you, sir. Is there anything you have need for today? Is there anything that I can help you with?"

The third man now has been in great and deep prayer along the way, and acknowledges the wonderful offer of the stranger. He ponders it deeply, being himself quite curious as to what his choice would be should the stranger come by again.

He thanks the stranger deeply from his heart, and explains to the man that he means in no way to offend him, nor to refuse any good offer of God. However, he cannot help but by the reasoning of his heart and the search of the Scriptures, still believe that God has called his people to go all the way to the end of the third day by faith. It now being only midway through, though he exceedingly desires not to tempt nor test the Lord in an evil way, he explains to the man that he believes in his heart he is meant to continue on the way.

Though his head is aching severely and his body is entirely weak, he feels there is a call in his heart through the Word of God and Spirit, and he feels he must answer the call, so declines. The stranger smiles and nods his head, and he says he quite understands. He wishes the man well and turns away, himself, as the third man continues down the way.

Surely as the man walks he is in deep discomfort. Simultaneously, is a rising joy also entering into his heart, by which means he cannot describe nor well explain by words.

As daylight begins to wane, that the man, this third man, having chosen to push forward until the end of the journey as he would understand it. Believing by faith that God himself is the one calling him to such a degree, he finds himself at the end of daylight being greeted once more by the very same stranger. Who, until this third day, had not appeared twice in a day.

As a matter of fact the stranger doesn't even ask him any questions. He rather walks right up to the man, greets him warmly and hugs him, and directs him to follow him to the side of the road. When he goes along the side of the road just beyond direct sight, what unfolds is a great camp that has been set up with a wonderful array of beverage and food and comforts.

He is as well greeted by the same two gentlemen in whose company he set originally set out upon the journey some three days prior. They are quite joyful and enthusiastic, and exceedingly glad to see their friend, even as he is exceedingly glad to see them.

What is wonderful is that the two gentlemen who turned away from the path early with great gladness in their hearts, they themselves begin to see to the needs of the man who engaged in the long walk until the end of the third day.

They see to his needs by offering him beverage and a place to sit, offering food to follow and additional comforts. Generally lifting up his spirits with the gladness of their hearts and the conversation of their mouths. Even the filling of the Spirit, where all are rejoicing. There is none who criticizes nor holds against another any of the choices that were made, for they were all made by faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Let it be said that the Lord is faithful every day of the journey, and in every way to his children.

With great joy the Stranger participates in the conversation, in love and the fullness of the heart, with all three of the men whom He adores. Amen.