Have you discovered the mystery?

Jerry didn't tell Karl that he hated Sunday school in Texas and that he only went because his mother made him go. As a child, he never understood why he had to sit for so long and listen to a boring minister. He used to stare at the second hand of his watch as it slowly moved round the face, then he would count the flowers on the wallpaper. They were in colorful groups, which made it easier. Jerry joked that Sunday school gave him a taste of "eternity," but today's church service was different. Even if there had been flowers on the wallpaper Jerry would have ignored them. The conviction in the voice of Mr. von Ludendorff held him spellbound. As the man prayed, through squinted eyes, Jerry saw a tear slowly roll down his cheek. He spoke reverently and even though the prayer was in German he could understand what he prayed:

"We are so thankful for Your great mercy. Thank You for the mystery of Christ. Thank You for Divine provision . . . for Your love. Help me today to speak Your mind, that Your people might be edified. Now Father, we uphold this nation. We pray for our people . . . "

His voice cracked with emotion. He stopped for a moment then continued,

" . . . we pray for our people. May Your hand be upon them. We pray for the Nazis. Please touch this nation. Help us in this time of trial. May Your wonderful name be glorified in our lives, whether by life or by death . . . Amen."

The small congregation echoed the "Amen," then there was a rustle of paper as ones opened their Bibles in anticipation of the sermon.

Mr. von Ludendorff began:

"Today is a very special day for me. It is May 14, 1938, 20 years since I met my beloved bride. Twenty wonderful years." The small crowd watched with delight as he stepped forward, kissed his wife on the cheek and said with a twinkle in his eye,

" . . . and today I love her with even more passion than when we first met." He then stepped back behind the home‑made pulpit and continued,

"We are going to look first at Romans 16:25, at the 'mystery kept secret since the world began.'"

Jerry sat on the edge of his seat. He loved mysteries and listened with anticipation to what Mr. von Ludendorff would say next:

"This is a secret that God Himself has hidden from humanity from the beginning of the world. Not only does Paul speak of this mystery in the Book of Romans, but also he says in Ephesians Chapter 3 verse 9: 'The mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God."'

His face seemed to glow as he said, "Do you know this extraordinary secret that God has hidden from the beginning of the world? Have you discovered the mystery?"

To be continued.