A Blessed Blunder

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 6
He entered the hall shortly after the gospel address began. Looking around in some confusion, he finally chose a vacant seat and slipped quietly into it.
After the meeting in which I had preached the Word of the cross, I encountered this young man as he sought to elude me. After a short conversation I persuaded him to come with me into a small adjoining room. Here I learned that it was through what he called a blunder that he had entered the hall and heard the gospel.
Scripture says: "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jer. 10:2323O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. (Jeremiah 10:23). And "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." 2 Chron. 16:99For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. (2 Chronicles 16:9). Surely the Lord was watching over this man, and His heart yearned to bless him.
The young man, I found, was a Jew. In coming into the hall he had believed he had the right address for a concert he had intended to hear. When he discovered his error courtesy, or perhaps timidity, kept him in his seat. But one thing was soon made plain: he was thoroughly indifferent to the Christian religion and was anxious to terminate our interview as soon as possible.
God had so ordered it that I had in my pocket a small Testament. Taking it out I opened it to the Gospel of John and marked with my pen chapter 5, verse 24. Handing it to him I said: "Friend, if you will promise me that tonight before going to bed you will get on your knees and read this verse, I will make you a present of this Testament." Perhaps to get rid of me, or maybe through curiosity, he made the promise and went on his way.
Years went by. In my work for the Lord I had traveled to a distant city. While waiting for a meal to be served I glanced through a newspaper. There in bold type was an announcement that brought joy to my heart: "Albert Nathan," a converted Israelite, was holding Bible studies in that city.
"Albert Nathan!" This was the name of my Jew—the one to whom I had given my Testament. Could it be—?
I went. As I entered the hall he saw me. As recognition flashed between us he sprang over to me, crying out: "I kept my promise! I read that verse and I found the Lord Jesus.”
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24).