“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2
Life had never been easy for the Jones’ since they decided to move to the eastern side of the country which had a lower rainfall compared to the western part which had a better rainfall and offered a more comfortable life. Mr. Jones had worked so hard since the move to provide for his family. At least there was peace and freedom for his family which they had mainly longed for. He did all kinds of piece work which was offered to him, yet still the money which he got was not sufficient to pay for the first semester fees for his only child. The only source of their regular income, though not much, was from the milk from their healthy jersey cow.
Mrs. Jones, too, was a kind, hard-working woman. She stood by her husband throughout all the hardships through which they passed and she had learned to be content with whatsoever condition they were in. She also did some odd jobs like cleaning or washing clothes for some of her rich neighbours. The family’s hope was on sending their son, Bob, to college. At least after graduation he could help lift up his parents from poverty. Despite living under serious poverty the Jones family was very generous. They shared the little they had with those more needy than themselves. They were faithful in their church attendance and were very faithful in their practical Christianity.
About 15 km from Mr. Jones’ place was the Brown’s home. If you could just enter the air-conditioned house you would soon forget that you were in the countryside. The furniture and the surroundings in general would mislead you to think that you were in the city. The Brown family was living a very comfortable life. The only problem was that the love in the family was very shallow. Although they also went to church every week, and claimed to be Christians, each one was concerned about himself only. In short, one would conclude that they were selfish and not living up to their profession.
One day, angels in human form visited that area. On their first night they went to Mr. Brown’s home to see if they were faithful to their profession of Christianity. They were welcome only because it was late in the night so it would be inhumane to send them away in that cold weather. But their generosity stopped there. Since the spare bedrooms were too clean for these strangers’ dusty feet, Mr. Brown decided to give them some old blankets so that they could sleep in the hallway.
Now as the night deepened the cold became unbearable. There was nothing they could do but to endure the chill for that night. Just before sunrise they discovered a wide crack in the wall. The older guest closed the crack in such a way that there was no longer a sign of the crack. This was a seemingly kind gesture on the part of the visitor considering the treatment they were given. Since it was clear that they were not welcome they thanked Mr. Brown, bade him farewell and proceeded on their journey.
The next night the angels decided to lodge at Mr. Jones house. On arrival to the Jones’ they were given a very warm welcome. From their countenances these guests realized that they were experiencing hard times but still they were kind and cheerful. They were given warm water for bathing which they never received from the Brown’s. After that they shared their food and everyone was happy. Night came so Mr. and Mrs. Jones offered their own bedroom and went to sleep in the next room where they lit a fire to keep them warm since they had no extra blankets.
Mrs. Jones woke up early as usual to check all around the house. On arrival to their cattle pen she found that their only cow had died and had left the calf alone. A terrible cry was heard from outside and everyone ran to the scene to find out what had happened. It was a real sorrowful day for the Jones family. As they explained to their guests how the cow had helped the family, both as a source of income and also for food, one could see that it had been a horrible loss for them. Everyone felt so bad that day such that no laughter was heard.
We may wonder why the angels fixed the crack in Mr. Brown’s wall and allowed Mr. Jones’ cow to die, considering the kindness they had shown to them regardless of their poverty. Why had they been so kind to Mr. Brown by repairing his wall which had a big crack, yet Mr. Brown was a very selfish and mean man?
The truth is that in between the crack of the wall was hidden some diamonds, and closing the crack hid the treasure. If it was left open, one day someone would see it. Because Mr. Brown was selfish, he would not bother to help the poor around him, but would keep the diamonds to himself. Therefore, it was better to be kept hidden.
Now regarding what happened to Mr. Jones’ cow, although it may seem like a great loss to them at the time, with the blessings which the angels intended to leave behind they were able to buy more cows and also live a better life. The little calf grew fast and in a short while replaced the cow that died, and the angels left behind a blessing that provided for the family until that time. Also, the Jones’ family will have great treasure in heaven, which Mr. Brown will not have.
In life, maybe you have passed through some difficulties which you do not understand, while some people who do not fear God are free. These situations may even lead you to doubt or question God’s justice. That need not be so. God knows what He is doing. As the Bible says; “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9. The good part about it is this: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. In all this we learn that GOD’S WAYS ARE MYSTERIOUS.