SERMON FROM AN OLD COUPLE

(Author Unknown)

Throughout the years, I have heard many wonderful sermons that I have forgotten but one sermon I have seen and it has remained in my heart unto this day.

It happened on a Sunday morning while on my way to services at a small congregation in Munich, Germany. It was a cold and windy Sunday in November. After I got out of my warm bed, I looked through the window that was covered with ice ferns. New, deep snow had fallen during the night and covered the streets of the city. I tried to decide whether I should go to services or stay home and just read my Bible. I realized that the congregation would miss me, for I was the only song leader they had. On the other hand, I would have to walk half a block to catch the bus to church. Finally I decided to go, but only because I had to lead singing.

While I was riding the bus, I noticed two people trying hard to make their path through the deep snow. I recognized the people and knew where they were going. They were brother and sister Trollman, a faithful couple who attended every Sunday. Brother Trollman was a man in his eighties who had lost his eyesight. His only guidance was his 78-year old wife who was lame in one foot. They lived in a small two-room apartment and received a small amount of support from the government. Because they could not afford to ride the bus to church, which was about three miles away from their home, they walked the distance every Lord's Day.

Here I was, sitting in a warm bus, unwilling to go to church, forced only by my duty as a song leader and there, outside in the cold weather, were two elderly people driven to church by their love for the Lord.I was not able to do anything but blush, ashamed of myself and the weak faith and love I had proven for my Lord. I felt like an evildoer in court being judged by my own conscience. The elderly couple, without their knowledge and without one word, had taught me a greater lesson than ever could be said in words.

Through the influence and example I realized one thing: The only true motive for a Christian to attend services is his strong love for his Maker.