SILENT SERMON

 
with thanks from here


This has been making the rounds through e-mail.  Thought you might enjoy it!

A member of a church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday'.

We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

Blessings everyone!

22 comments:

pam said...

This is a great story. I've been hearing so many places the same message. I think many when hurt or just weary about life can just fade away. We SO need each other...to help lift the loads of life to Him.

I had started the post with Molly before you posted your photo and it cracked me up how so many dogs love to ride in cars....Molly really is excited to go with me.

May I share this story on Facebook with my friends?

Glenda said...

I remember hearing this powerful story once, but I'm so glad to see it in print. I hope you don't mind that I borrow it for use at church.

Silent sermons sometimes speak the loudest - and for many hungry souls, our lives can be that sermon.

Hope you are enjoyed this Advent season!

Mari said...

I really like this - so true!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Very cool!! Or should I say hot? I'm putting this on our prayer line!!

Jan said...

Yes, a powerful message.
Love, Jan

ellen b. said...

That's fabulous! :o)

Doris Sturm said...

Awesome!

Marg said...

I've never heard this story before, but it gives me a real insight where I can use this over the next few weeks. It's always fun to find some new stories to make the Christmas story more relevant.

Anneliese said...

This is the example my dad gave me many, many years ago .. as to the reason for going to church.

Wendy said...

Just beautiful!

Ruth Hiebert said...

This is a powerful sermon and one we would be advised to heed.
Blessings,Ruth

George said...

I've heard this before, but it is a very powerful lesson and it's good to have the reminder.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great story, Karin... Yes, the best sermons aren't always ones with WORDS... I have experienced a sermon while being out in nature, OR while watching a sunset or sunrise, OR even while watching a roaring fire in the fireplace. Those are the best sermons of all.

Hugs,
Betsy

Lady Dorothy said...

One of my husband's favorite stories!

Bernie said...

What a beautiful story, I hadn't heard it before, thank you for posting it Karin....:-)Hugs

Valerie said...

That is a powerful story - one I need to share with a few friends, and very meaningful for me as well.

Hubby and I have struggled desperately in trying to find a congregation where we are at home - after leaving the one we served so faithfully for so very long.

You try so hard to continue to burn - but you desperately need the encouragement of other Christians. I get some of that from the amazing folk here in blog land - but the relationships are just not the same as that strong bond of the personal physical touch of the Family of Christ.

Peggy said...

Powerful!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Reminds me of what St. Francis of Assisi was supposed to have said once:

Preach the gospel at every opportunity, and if necessary, use words.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a beautiful story sweetie. It truly touched my heart!

God bless ya and have a spectacular weekend!!! :o)

mariel said...

amen! great story and beautiful message. thank you for this timely reminder.

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

Karin, that's a heart-touching story. Very nice.

Thanks for stopping by and for always leaving such sweet comments. I appreciate it.

Ready for Christmas?

Doris

Lovella ♥ said...

Karin. .I had not heard this one yet. .thank you for sharing it here.