by Michael E. Brooks

“And you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately” (Luke 10:36).

Waiting for the master to come may have a variety of applications. Sometimes it is his final coming that we anticipate and prepare for. At other times it is a more temporal visitation, that of his help, his comfort, or the opportunities for service that he provides.

Edmund Cagle and I were in the Bangladesh village of Dooley a few years ago, preparing to preach. A decent crowd had gathered and we were ready to rise and begin the lessons when someone came, whispered something to one of the audience and suddenly all of the villagers got up and rushed away. Edmund and I looked at each other in puzzlement, wondering how we had offended them, until the Bangla preacher who was guiding us said, “a snake charmer has come and they have all gone to watch him play with his snakes.”

We walked to a nearby row of houses to find all the village gathered to watch the charmer entrance several cobras for some time. Just as he was reaching the climax of his performance a woman ran out of one of the houses with a child in her arms, crying out in panic. Just as quickly as the villagers had deserted our meeting, they abandoned the snakes to rush to the aid of the distraught mother. We joined them and inquired as to her needs. The child was sick with fever and we gave medicine, calmed the mother’s fears and restored order. Meanwhile the snake charmer shrugged, packed his boxes and left the village.

After a few minutes we went back to our original site, the audience soon joined us, and we enjoyed an afternoon of Bible study, resulting in several baptisms. Is there a spiritual lesson in that experience? I am not sure, but I know that we did not panic or give up on the situation. We allowed the villagers time to determine what was of real value, and eventually had a profitable day.

Circumstances often challenge us. Difficult situations can discourage good works. Competition from others creates doubt or even fear. We often feel that our efforts are futile, that success is not possible. Yet sometimes difficult circumstances provide opportunity. At other times, one must simply be patient and wait for the Master’s time to come.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).