by Wayne Perkins
There was a man who attended church all his life. He was a kind and generous man with a wonderful gift, he loved to sing in praise of God and his voice touched even the hardest heart. Every night he prayed for a wife and children to love, but being a humble man he was awkward around woman. After years of living alone he met and married a woman new to his church. They seemed a happy couple and faithfully attended services. He was a loyal husband and everywhere they went his eyes were only on her.
After long years of prayer his wife became pregnant. He was over joyed and she glowed with pride as the attention focused on her. Cards and phone calls poured in when she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, born in the image of God. On the day his family came home the man began a three day fast, praising God and doing good for the needy.
As the child grew it became clear she also was blessed with a powerful singing voice. From the age of six she joined her father on stage. Together their voice blended in praise and worship, melting the hearts of all who heard them. At home the wife grew less friendly and more contentious. He recognized jealousy and gave her twice the attention as before.
The alarm went off early on the girls twelfth birthday. Today she is having a party at school. She will pass out cup cakes and kazoos to all her classmates. After hugging his wife and kissing his daughter the man leaves for work. The girl is sitting at the table humming to herself when her mother creeps up from behind. Sinister thoughts enrage the mothers mind, her hand swings an iron frying pan into her daughters skull. Over and over the womans’ insanity batters the child.
Who can imagine the horror greeting this man as he opens the door that evening? Within hours his wife is caught fleeing down the highway, her cloths still coved in blood. After the photos are taken and police leave his house, it is the father who cleans up the blood and matter that once had been his beloved daughter. This night he goes to bed without a family once again.
Hearing the news, many wonder if he will ever attend church again. Most agree he will become bitter and curse God. When the Sabbath arrives the man is seen sitting in his favorite seat. At the appointed time he walks on stage and stands before the congregation. His mouth opens and his voice fills the air with heartwrentching praise. Tears flow from every eye and many souls are lifted as he sings his love for God.
Over the years this man becomes a father to all in need. He is known as one who will help, when no one else will. As an elderly man he draws strength from doing good for others. Finally in the fullness of years he dies peacefully in his own bed. Hundreds attend his funeral and many more mourn his death.
In the resurrection he finds himself standing before the Son of God. The two men embrace like long separated brothers, both sobbing. After a good while the Eternal stands back, and putting His hand upon His friends’ shoulder He speaks, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord."
Choking on the lumps in his throat the man looks into the eyes of Christ and asks, "Lord, my daughter........?"
With a warm smile Jesus puts His arm around his shoulder and they walk to a bed where the little girl lay. Her hair is neatly combed and she wears her prettiest dress. As God reaches out and takes her hand, torn flesh is seen in the wrists of the Savior. Flooded with emotion, the man understands it is for this very reason the Eternal suffered a terrible death. Speaking to the girl with gentle authority the Word commands, "Little maiden, arise."
Now the angels pause to listen as the voice of father and daughter blend together in beautiful harmony, singing in the Fathers choir, praising God thoughout all eternity.
