PIANO 8
Rip and Honey spent the entire evening going over scripture that could be important in the meeting with Marta. "We're putting together basic material for someone to get started with," Rip explained. There's no way we can prepare for everything. Maybe we can't accomplish everything in one meeting, but we can try." Honey had a good basic background of the faith, but needed to be able to refer to specific scripture. She pulled a notebook and pen from her purse, and took notes as they discussed probabilities.
Upon learning Marta was back on the job at Turner Music, Rip set up a meeting with Luigi and Marta. While she spoke with Marta, he could see if any clues could be found from Luigi's association with the foreign visitors during their time at Turner. When they arrived, Luigi made the introductions, and told Honey and Marta they could get acquainted in his office while Rip and he would go over the visit by foreigners. Honey and Marta exchanged personal information about themselves and their connection through music. Marta was eager to discuss scripture, and to have the opportunity to talk with a woman who knew something about the bible. Honey explained that the Protestant and Catholic bibles contained the same teaching of Christ. The major difference, she reported, was that the Catholic bible had "extra" books between the two testaments that
were not included in the Protestant bible. They did not create any
difference in Christ's teaching, only connected the gap between the testaments. It is a sort of fill in for history in that time period. It includes the struggle Israel faced as they came under the power of other nations, and finally Rome.
Marta said, "I've attended church for many years, but nobody ever told me that. Your answer is so simple, I can't understand why nobody ever said it. One of my problems has been the priests and teachers always seem so distant or authoritative. It makes me feel the way I felt in grade school. It feels stiff and formal/" Honey continued, "The instructions Christ gave us in the four gospels are not complicated. His messages were meant for everyone, every race, and for all men and women." Marta nodded agreement, and seemed relaxed. "I have a question that has been bothering me. Is it okay to do something wrong to achieve a result you believe God desires?"
Honey thought a moment before responding. "Christ did not teach
anything that permits doing wrong for any reason. He taught the original Commandments and added the one to love thy neighbor." Marta was now at full attention. "But what about Christians who say we should do things because God wants the result they believe He wants? I hear this frequently, and the Christians who say this are proud they received the result they sought." Honey was firm in her answer. "I would say Christ is never wrong and God doesn't make mistakes. We are unable to view things as God does, and trying to arrive at an answer based on our knowledge is wrong. He always knows all facts, while we usually don't. If a sports team cheats to win a game, it is a sin. God let it happen, but He has His own reason for giving the cheaters the victory. One reason is to determine the honesty of the team's leader and players. We are judged on
everything we do. Nothing is hidden. The dishonest victory will bring about only momentary joy. Retribution will follow."
Marta considered Honey's explanation, and then thoughtfully answered. "So, a true Christian is bound by the acceptance of Christ's offer. We can't add or subtract anything." Honey continued, "God will bring about the results He desires in His own time frame. We insult Him by thinking we can shortcut truth and honesty to attain His goals. In effect, we disobey His sovereignty and that commandment when we try to do things the carnal way." Marta seemed somewhat relieved. "Now I have another question for you," she said. "If someone knows something wrong has been done, is it a sin to simply ignore it?" "As difficult as it may be, not to do
anything about it is the sin of omission," Honey said. "By not acting, you become a partner with the person who committed the sin."
"Then, I have another question for you," Marta said. "If doing something wrong like the killings and wars in the Old Testament, is a sin, why did God seem to condone them?" Honey was on the spot now, because she couldn't give definitive scripture. She had to pause for a minute or two before answering. "Marta, I'm not a biblical scholar, but here's my understanding, and it goes right back to Genesis. God required man to sacrifice for repentance of sin and the sacrifice had to be shed blood. When Cain did not slay an animal or bird, there was no shed blood. God rejected his sacrifice and murder entered the world. Forgiveness of sins was dependent on shed blood. Men always strive, and there was always
opposition to God's Chosen. They had to fight their way to obtain their land, and God continued to require shed blood. Since man couldn't control emotions and repeatedly broke all the laws of God and reason, God provided a different method for redemption through His Son. Grace replaced law, and man was given eternal life."
"Honey, I am being a pest, but I have another question. What about all the killing? The Law tells us not to kill." "Ah, I could see this one coming," Honey said. "The Law does not condemn killing if it is necessary for self defense. What the Law condemns is murder. The difference is motive. God established refuge cities where people who accidentally killed some one could live without fear of retribution." "Now, I'm beginning to make some sense of scripture," Marta said, with obvious relief. "I believe I have a handle on what to do now," she declared. "This has bothered me for quite a while." Honey couldn't resist asking a question. "Does this have something to do with the grand piano theft?" she asked. Marta was stunned. "How did you know?" she asked, very surprised.
Meanwhile, Rip and Luigi were discussing the visit by the group of foreigners. Luigi said he had talked to Marta's husband, but found out very little. "I don't think her husband discussed the visitors," he said. "And if she did, there was very little information. She does know their language, so could understand what they said privately. The woman visitor spoke excellent English and studied music in the United States. If Honey is able to gain Marta's confidence, and Marta knows something about the piano, we could maybe figure out what happened." Rip agreed, and added, "God is always in control. We may not understand how He works or His time frame, but He nevertheless is always in control."
Looking at his watch, Rip realized they were running behind schedule
and needed to head home. He had a bible lesson after supper, and Honey
would be late with her father's supper. He called to Honey, telling her it
was late and they needed to return home. She answered and brought
Marta along with her to say goodbye. They all agreed it was a fruitful
meeting. Rip said it was wonderful to meet Marta. They agreed to meet
again soon, and Luigi reminded Honey he had yet to play for her. Honey
said she was eagerly awaiting that event. Rip told Luigi he would call him the next day to arrange another meeting. This time, Marta was also invited.
As Rip and Honey departed for home, Rip couldn't wait another second
before asking Honey, "How successful were you?" Honey responded
excitedly, "I think God put the right words in me, and Marta seemed to pick up answers to the questions she had. It was inspiring and marvelous.
I didn't realize I have actually learned quite a bit of scripture over the
years. I'll go over the one question and answer with you later, and maybe
you can explain it better than I did. She appeared to understand and accept my explanation. And, best of all," she paused briefly, "I mean second best because the scripture study was best, she does know something about the piano," Honey declared with satisfaction.
(To be continued)
Rev. Walbear
No comments:
Post a Comment