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Clean and shine

Rose To

“Hello? Is this the duct-cleaning service?” My third call, and no result. The young man who had promised cleaning service hadn’t shown up, and it was 10 a.m.

Last night, I had talked to him. When I had heard that his name was Ezekiel, I had asked him if he was a Christian believer.

“No, no. My family used to go to a Catholic church. I didn’t go. It’s a name my mother gave me.”

We had stopped our conversation at that point and arranged an appointment for him to come to my house early this morning.

Now I looked at my watch again. As my frustration grew, I reached a firm resolve not to employ his services. Late, and not even a phone call! This was his second chance. Last week, when he had originally been scheduled to come, he had said his truck had broken down. I wondered what his reason was this time. I would give him a piece of my mind, a few choice words – that is, if he ever showed up.

Two o’clock. Suddenly, footsteps thumped on the stairs, and the doorbell rang twice. Ezekiel had arrived – finally!

I opened the door. Ezekiel was breathless. “I’m sorry! I really am! My truck broke down again. I’ve been having so much trouble with it.” He continued, “I wanted to call, but I have no cell phone. I’ll do your house now.”

I was exasperated. I had no patience left for this young man. How could he possibly clean my house now? In a controlled voice, I said, “I’ve been waiting all morning and part of this afternoon for you, Ezekiel. I have other errands to do today. I’m sorry, but . . . ”

Ezekiel interrupted, “I remember your friend Krystal. She gave you a good reference about me. Are you a Christian, too?”

I stopped, and my mouth hung open. I couldn’t believe what I had heard. All I could think of was that Krystal must have witnessed to him. I needed to put my anger behind me and show this young man the love of Christ.

It was strange. The angry words I had had in my mind all morning refused to come out of my mouth. Instead, I surprised both of us by saying, “Yes, I’m a Christian, Ezekiel. Why don’t you come in?”

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” (Matthew 5:13-14).

Jack and Rose To are the pastor couple of Mountainview Grace Church in Calgary.

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Last modified May 23, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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