Would you have stayed home?

Throughout the years I have heard many wonderful sermons, most of which I have forgotten. But one sermon I saw has remained in my heart until this day. It happened on a Sunday morning when I was on my way to one of the two small congregations in Munich, Germany on a cold, rainy day in November. When I got out of bed I looked through the window which was covered with ice ferns. New deep snow had fallen during the night, covering the streets of the city. I tried to decide whether I should go to worship or stay at home and read my Bible. I knew the congregation would miss me, for I was the only song leader they had. On the other hand, I would have to walk a half a block to catch the bus to the building. I finally decided to go, but only because I was to lead the singing. While I was riding the bus I noticed two people trying hard to make their path through the snow. I recognized the people and knew where they were going. They were brother and sister Trollman, a faithful couple who attended every service. Brother Trollman was a man in his 80′s who had lost his eyesight. His only guidance was his 75-year old wife, who was lame in one foot. They lived in a little two-room apartment and received a little support from the government. Because they could not afford to ride the bus to the services, which were about three miles away, they walked to the meeting every Lord’s Day. Here I was, sitting in a warm bus, unwilling to go to worship, forced by my duty as a song leader, and there, outside in the cold weather, were two old people driven by their love for the Lord. I was not able to do anything but blush. I was ashamed of myself and the weak faith and love I had proven for my Lord. I felt like an evil-doer in court being judged by his own conscience. This old couple, without their knowledge and without one word, taught me a greater lesson than could ever have been said in words.

– Author Unknown (An American Soldier)

Leave a Reply