Marcus Redding Fills In

His folks came out to the ranch Saturday evening. David and Abigail wanted to help out with Micah a little bit. So for the first time in—they couldn’t remember how long—at least six months Marcus and Lauren got to spend an evening together. But just as they were about to leave Lauren stopped at the door. An invisible force field blocked her exit. It took at least five minutes for Marcus and his parents to persuade Lauren that Micah would be okay. Abigail said, “Sweetheart, we’ve got eighteen years of experience. You two just go and relax and have a good time.” Marcus halfway pulled her through the force field and they were off to Olive Garden.

David and Abigail watched Micah all that night so Marcus and Lauren could get some rest. They all got up and went to services together in the morning. The class was good. The services were fine. The sermon was about Abraham on his journey of faith. They visited some after services and went back out to the ranch to eat lunch and rest all afternoon. At 5:30 they headed back in to Rayville for evening services.

After a prayer and two songs the preacher got up to give his lesson. Or that’s what they thought would happen. Instead everyone got a surprise. As soon as he stepped into the pulpit, the preacher announced he was stepping down. And he did. Literally. Got down from the pulpit, walked up the aisle, met his wife in the foyer, and they walked out to the parking lot, got in their car, and drove away.

The sixty or so members of the congregation sat stunned, looking at each other like, “Did that really just happen?” After some long and awkward moments, the two elders of the church went to the front and spoke privately. Finally they went to the pulpit. One of them grabbed the microphone and cleared his throat and said, “Well, folks, umm, this is a surprise. We didn’t know of any problems with James and Kathy. I guess we’ll try to get a hold of him and see what’s wrong. If you know what’s going on, please let us know after services.” He looked nervously at the other elder, “Well, Walt, in the meantime we have a worship service here.”

Walt was already talking to Marcus’s dad, who filled in preaching every now and then. David nodded and was about to step into the aisle when Marcus put his hand on his dad’s shoulder. David turned around and looked at Marcus, “Dad, let me do it. Mr. Walt, would you mind if I gave a short message on John 16:33?” Walt gestured to the front of the auditorium.

This was the second shock of the evening. Marcus never spoke in church. Never commented in class. Never led prayers. Never even helped out with the Lord’s Supper. He was always involved but always behind the scenes.

He took his Bible to the pulpit. He opened to John 16:33 and read, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” What followed was a fifteen minute sermon in which Marcus used his own journey of faith to illustrate the saving power of Jesus Christ. He finished with words of calm and comfort to the church and issued a simple invitation. Marcus returned to his seat. His family, and most of the church, stared at him in wonder.

After services were over they piled into his truck. His folks sat in the back with Micah in the car seat between them. Lauren got in the passenger seat. As soon as the doors were shut, Lauren said, “Marcus, that was so good. I’m so proud of you.” Marcus shrugged, “I just had something to say from God’s word.”

Marcus glanced into the rearview mirror. His dad smiled. His mom patted his shoulder. Lauren squeezed his hand. Micah burped.

They drove home.

More about Marcus Redding's journey of faith next week.