Walking with Jesus

Easter Miracle

Marvin McIntyre. Episode 2

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0:00 | 40:47

This is the story of Easter Miracle. 

As the sun sets on the quaint town of Lewisburg, Tennessee, a crisis of faith brews within the walls of a church teetering on the brink of oblivion. Our journey in today's episode is through the eyes of Brother Joseph Eller, a preacher wrestling with his own relevance as Easter Sunday dawns. Accompanied by the distinct voices of the personal committee—Tom Parson, B Sturgis, and Larry Major—we uncover the intimate struggles of a congregation facing the relentless march of time, each member carrying their own cross of doubt and tradition.

An Easter Miracle

Speaker 1

A Marvin McIntyre . I believe that Easter miracle was created through divine intervention . I am simply the messenger . It's the cornerstone of my walking with Jesus collection and its importance in my life cannot be overstated , that's my grandfather , by the way , till he calls me home . And now allow my narrator , Alex Masters , to take you to church .

Speaker 3

The two men and one woman were not happy to be here In large metropolitan areas . This uncomfortable decision did not rest on a makeshift group of church volunteers . For the record , the three that comprised the personal committee were elected , however . Each had run unopposed . Ostensibly Tom Parson , the six foot two inch string bean who was whispered as a lookalike to Ichabod Crane , was the leader . His ultra-white skin and black hair that resulted in a forelock only added to the characterization . When he spoke he flipped his head back so that the forelock moved with it .

Speaker 3

Although the church was aware that if the woman ever wanted to exert control , it was hers , b Sturgis was never out of control . After twenty-three years as an English teacher in Lewisburg High School , she became the principal for the last twelve years . Always perfectly attired , no hair out of place , this formidable woman could still silence a group of rowdy teenagers by simply raising an eyebrow . The third member of this august group was Larry Major , who married the first woman he ever dated because she said she liked his dimples . The short and squatty man had been told by his mother that his dimples had come from when an angel pinched his cheeks . So he was certain his bride was his preordained . Their preacher had been given sermons before either of the men had been born , but his ability to inspire or give the parishioners a thought to take with them on Sunday morning was a rare occurrence . He was still alive and not mentally impaired , but his church was dying . They looked at each other . Finally B spoke . If it were done , went his done then twer . Well , it were done quickly , shakespeare would be proud .

Speaker 3

His church was one of the many relics in brother Joseph Eller's life that was older than the seventy-five-year-old preacher . The quaint white wood-planked building used to get a new coat of paint every few years , whether it needed it or not , but volunteers now were too fragile to step on ladders . Accordingly , the chipped paint and bare spots dotting the ancient church were simply referred to as added character . Most folks outside of the deep south wouldn't know what you were talking about when you called a minister , brother instead of preacher or pastor . But Lewisburg , tennessee , population barely above eleven thousand , was one of the few country towns that hadn't changed Its proximity to bustling Nashville notwithstanding . There were no locked doors , no invitations were needed to visit and everybody knew everybody else . When Eller was young , the entire social life of Lewisburg revolved around the church . It was never a question whether a family went to church . It was only how often Church socials , church picnics , bible studies , covered dish suppers , weddings and funerals you attended and wore your Sunday best .

Speaker 3

Sitting in his fifteen-year-old Pontiac , eller fought against the wave of depression that threatened to swallow him . He wasn't sure if he had the strength to push this block of granite off his chest . If it were just the fact that he was old , out of touch and damn near out of time , he could deal with it . But God help him . He was out of words . It was Saturday before another Easter and he had no idea what he was going to say . Ever since his wife , evie , had died four years ago , nobody had stepped in and created a church bulletin . The wooden sign out front still showed his name , but there was no mention of an Easter service . Staring at his beloved church , eller felt the weight of responsibility coupled with the almost certainty of disappointment , as only a few die-hards would make the effort to attend tomorrow's service . He had probably romanticized it , but it seemed like the church died whenever he did . Maybe it was just he that died .

Speaker 3

In the early days , average attendance for what used to be Eller's Sunday fire and brimstone sermons hung in the low fifties , except for Christmas and Easter , when attendance swelled to almost one hundred mostly geriatric worshippers . If his sermons had ever been videotaped , it would not have taken a detective to note that the good preacher had run out of original sermons sometime in the late eighties . Nevertheless , watching him work himself into an arms-waving , voice-raising and body-shaking frenzy had been sufficient theater to distract from content . Lord , why don't I just quit ? I've got nothing to say and no one who cares to listen to me . Anyway . It wasn't the first time that Brother Eller had tried to hold a pity party with the Almighty .

Speaker 3

The preacher sighed , opened the car door and walked toward the church like he was pulling each leg out of wet cement . He wrinkled his nose as the musty odor from the church enveloped him . He sat down in the last pew and stared up at the altar . No organ , no choir , but the cross still stands . That had to count for something . Tomorrow he'd be here by nine o'clock because someone had to open the old stained glass windows to let in some fresh air and hope that the stale odor dissipated .

Speaker 3

Before the first folks arrived for the ten o'clock service , he leaned forward and folded his arms on the back of the pew in front of him . He laid his head on his arms and thought how he wished his daughter , becky , could be here with his two grandkids . But Atlanta was pretty far away and money was tight and any other excuse you could think of when he wasn't pasting on a smile . For the Christians he wasn't very interested anyway , and who wants family to hear a recycled sermon that's about as inspiring as burnt toast ? After about ten minutes , eller's sense of obligation made him lift his head from the pew and shuffle back to the car . He winced , knowing that if Evie was alive she would be scolding him big time for allowing what she called Satan's negativity to consume him . Throwing up a hand , he said I'm sorry , honey , I'll get through this . He paused then added under his breath but this is the last time I've got nothing to say .

Speaker 3

The rectory , the house provided by the church fifty years ago , was a three-bedroom rambler in about the same shape as the church . For that brief period , when both the dog-woods and azaleas bloomed , it seemed alive , but now it just looked old and unattended . As Eller drove up , he saw a young man sitting in the rustled front porch swing that had been quarantined since Evie died . The preacher's first reaction was annoyance as he wasn't in the mood for company . Then he saw the man was a stranger Standing . Quickly , as Eller approached him , the stranger held out his hand , brother Eller . He said I am David . Before shaking the young man's hand , the preacher squinted and appraised his surprise guest . Right by the morning sun the man seemed to glow . As Eller looked closely he noticed the worn jeans , sandals and pale green t-shirt . Completing the picture , the young man's longish , sun-bleached hair , clean , shaven face and disarming smile reminded Eller of a sixty's hippie .

Speaker 3

In slow motion , eller reached out his hand like he was following a command . The young man gripped it and the preacher felt a jolt , lowering his eyes . The man called David asked may I visit with you for a moment , sir ? Of course , said Eller . As he opened his door and allowed the man to enter , not making eye contact , he motioned to the chair across from his neglected cereal bowl . Eller took the opposite seat and mumbled apologetically , I'm sorry .

Speaker 3

Registured toward the sink full of dishes , the errant dish-towel slung over the back of an adjacent chair and the prevailing odor of the two full trash . Can I'm not too good at following the tidiness as next to Godliness axiom . Also , son , I'm having trouble looking into your eyes ? David nodded . I understand he said softly and lowered his head my heavy-hat blue eyes , eller said wistfully . But yours are , I don't know like really penetrating .

Speaker 3

Eller ran a hand through his shock of white hair that still felt like steel wool and tried to imagine what this man's business was . Are you selling something , son ? He asked no , sir , are you in trouble ? No , sir , where are you from ? How did you end up on my doorstep ? I've been many places , said David . Frustrated by the non-answer .

Speaker 3

Eller asked Are you lost and looking for some spiritual guidance ? David laughed softly . I'm always looking for that , sir , but that's not the purpose of my visit today . Well , what is it you won't ? David looked him straight in the eye and it felt like a heat lamp . I want your sermon . Oh , sure you do , said Eller sarcastically . Everybody is clamoring for fifty-year-old sermons .

The Easter Sermon Controversy

Speaker 3

The stranger did not respond . What do you mean by saying you want my sermon , asked Eller . I would like to give the Easter message at your church . David answered solemnly . I'd like to be Joel Alstein and have my wife back , but neither of those things is happening Again .

Speaker 3

The young man did not respond , feeling like he was getting nowhere . Brother Eller began grilling him . So you're not an ordained minister ? No , sir , and you've never given a sermon anywhere before . No , sir , the time hasn't quite been right , david said , with a tight apologetic smile .

Speaker 3

Eller threw up his hands . Then what on earth makes you think you're qualified to give the Easter sermon at my church ? His voice rose in concert with his level of incredulity . I have to start somewhere , david said , as if it were the most logical thing on earth . Eller looked at him suspiciously . Are you looking for a split of the collection plate ? No , sir , my only goal is to honor my savior . Well , son , that sounds good , but it might not be good enough . What will my parishioners think if I let some rookie stand in the pulpit on our most sacred day ? Do you intend to let me see a copy of your sermon ?

Speaker 3

David reached across and gently touched the old man's wrist . I won't know what I'm going to say until it's time to speak . Sir , god will provide the words . Eller tried not to look at the young man like he was crazy . David , you look like a damned movie star , but your voice melts butter and your eyes are spellbinding . But if you mess up , it's my butt in a sling , not yours .

Speaker 3

David nodded and spoke with quiet passion . Do you believe God is with you , brother Eller ? Of course there's been no burning bush , or any sign from up above that you're the answer to my prayers . Haven't you felt it in your heart , sir ? That inspiration has been hard to find . Eller stared him down .

Speaker 3

After what felt like an uncomfortable period of silence , david spoke if whatever I say at any time is not meaningful or does not honor our savior , well you can take over and I will respectfully remain silent for the rest of the sermon . Eller scrunched up his face . Agonizing Part of him thought it would save him the trouble of staying up all night writing a sermon . The other part thought this was the dumbest thing he'd ever heard of . He shook his head . I just don't think—David leaned back and reached into his jeans pocket . He pulled up twelve crumpled hundred-dollar bills . He counted them out reverently and placed them in Eller's hand . Well , if I disappoint you , these are yours to keep . Eller looked at the bills , wondering how this fellow had twelve hundred dollars and thinking that the church could really use the money .

Speaker 3

The old pastor seemed nailed to the chair . He hadn't even risen when his guest preacher left . All the energy had just left his body . He bowed his head . Lord , I'm not so sure what just happened . I sure hope that you sent David to me . Otherwise I've made a big mistake .

Speaker 3

Eller waited for about ten minutes in case God had something to say . Nothing was forthcoming , so he wrinkled his face like he was in pain and slowly rose . Not only had he likely created a big problem , but now he was going to compound it . He picked up his phone , went to his contact list and started calling . Brother Eller was sure that the seven to eight you were supposed to get each night meant hours , not minutes .

Speaker 3

At six-thirty am he threw the covers off , shook the cobwebs out of his head and shuffled to the bathroom . After a half-hour hot shower and two cups of coffee , he didn't look any fresher in his bathroom mirror . He believed that he was still a pleasant , friendly-looking man , but maybe that was just the echo of Evie's long-ago words . As he absently stirred the remains of his half-eaten cereal , eller pondered how he would feel sitting in his church and having a stranger , but not even an ordained minister give the Easter message . He shrugged , regardless of whether wet behind the ears . David gave a good sermon . This was definitely Eller's swan song , although they were nice enough to try to be secret about it .

Speaker 3

The savvy veteran knew that the leaders of the congregation felt that their preacher had reached his expiration date and if there was any doubt , the past the buck move on . The highest of holy days would seal the deal . He could hear the congregation gossiping about the old man who was so pitiful that he had to have a rookie step up to bat for him . Some surprise . What the heck would he do with his forced retirement ? Maybe he could drive to Atlanta and spend some time with his grandkids . He bowed his head . Lord , I hope I know what I'm doing . I know it's too late to change my mind , but I pray you won't let this old prayer warrior mess up too badly . I've loved telling people about you and helping wherever I can , but when it's time to go , it's time to go .

Speaker 3

Eller wiped away an uncalled foretear , got up and put his cereal bowl in the sink . He was going to put on his best suit and tie and before having fussed at him from heaven , he was going to stop feeling sorry for himself . It was a little before nine o'clock when the preacher pulled into the church parking lot . He was more than a little surprised when he saw about a dozen cars there already and folks milling around talking on this beautiful spring day . Maybe the phone ?

Speaker 1

calls had worked .

Speaker 3

Tom Parsons bounded over to see him as he exited the car . Brother Eller , good morning . You mind if we go ahead and open up the windows . This fresh air is too good to miss . Of course not , tom , said Eller , that'd be great . He looked at the enthusiastic young man curiously . It actually seemed like he had sprayed that rambling forelock . Then , acknowledging the early birds , he added Did all of you forget to set your clocks forward last month ? Giving him the obligatory laugh , tom answered Well , after your phone call , we were all excited . Everybody loves surprises . Eller smiled , hiding the sinking feeling that he had overpromised and would likely underdeliver .

Speaker 3

By nine forty-five the parking lot was completely full and David had not arrived . If Eller had not been so busy glad-handling , his meager breakfast would probably have been splattered into the church toilet . By nine fifty-five he was sitting in his chair behind the pulpit , his head in his hands , praying as frantically as he had ever prayed before . Lord , hear my prayer . I need your servant David to save me . Over and over again , the desperate preacher said the same prayer . He could feel sweat dampening his shirt . He wiped his brow with the back of his hand . He squeezed his eyes shut as the clock struck ten . He felt rather than heard the words . I am with you always . The preacher stood on shaky feet , balancing himself on the corner of the pulpit . He cried Christ has risen . Christ has risen , indeed , echoed the congregation .

Speaker 3

Eller gave the morning announcements in a halting voice , as he had been instructed . He asked the congregation to close their eyes and bow their heads . Sweat from his forehead blinded him . Please God , where is he ? A powerful voice rang out from the pulpit and relief flowed through the preacher's body .

Speaker 3

Christians walk by faith , not by sight . Even when our eyes are closed , we can still see . How many times have we closed our eyes and imagined we were on a beautiful beach or on a mountain top In the dead of winter ? We can visualize the beauty of dogwood trees and azaleas blooming . When our children are grown , how often do we close our eyes and remember them in their youth ?

Speaker 3

Return with me now to a grove of twisted olive trees . The ground is covered with large rocks and there's a lone stone fence . It is a dark night , the darkest night in history . If you look carefully , you can make out a solitary figure . He is lying flat on the ground . His face is stained with dirt and tears and his fists pound the hard earth relentlessly . His hair is matted with salty sweat . Blood leaks down his forehead . His pleading eyes are wide with the stupor of fear . Look closely , that's Jesus . Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane .

Speaker 3

I ask you this morning to truly open your eyes . Too many times we fail to open our eyes and truly look at Jesus . We've all had times in our lives when we felt desperate , despondent and like all hope was gone . Our faith is tested . Sometimes it seems beyond our level of endurance . Scripture tells us that when we are standing on the edge of the Red Sea , we look heavenward . My eyes are on you , lord . I trust you . It's a Jesus take the wheel moment , having all Christians experience the incidences of divine intervention .

Speaker 3

A dear friend refers to those miraculous times as God kisses . The more we are attuned to Jesus , the closer we walk with Him , the more we will recognize these blessed moments for what they are . I challenge you to remember those times in your life when Jesus was your only hope and your fervent prayers were answered . What was your reaction ? You prayed hard for the help you received . God's grace . Did you fall on your knees and praise His name ? Thank you . Thank you , lord , for your mercy , he said softly , did your gratitude outweigh the intensity and power of your prayers ?

The Miracle of Easter

Speaker 3

My friend , you may have heard the story of Billy Graham entering heaven . As you would expect , he was a first-round draft choice . When he stood at the pearly gates , st Peter asked if he'd like to take a tour . Obviously , the Reverend was excited and marveled at all the beauty he'd so accurately described in his sermons . Finally , they came to what looked like an industrial complex of huge buildings . Each massive room was chock-full of paper notes . Graham looked at St Peter curiously and was told All of these rooms and buildings are filled with petitions and pleas for help . Graham shook his head in amazement as he scanned the mountains of paper . He tilted his head as he looked at a dog-house-sized building . St Peter , bent over , opened the door and smiled sadly as the few notes cod in the breeze . These are the thank-you notes .

Speaker 3

The preacher paused , his eyes sweeping and capturing the congregation , who were sitting on the edges of their pews . "'what do we really know about heaven' he asked . "'i am the way and the truth and the life . No one comes to the Father but through me' . "'okay' , he said , raising his index finger . "'that's step one Got it' "'But where do we go from here' .

Speaker 3

"'isn't it logical to assume that if we follow the Ten Commandments , pray consistently and spread the gospel , our lives will be blessed ? You don't have to go to lot to dispute that notion . Just look to Jesus' . "'it's hard to imagine that if we spent three years teaching , helping and loving twelve friends , all of them would turn their backs on us' . "'sure , judas betrayed him , but what about the others' ? "'nope , never heard of him' . He spent his whole life doing good , saving , healing and spreading love . And what was his reward' ? When he begged his father to take the cup from him , his plea was refused . Jesus had done everything his father asked of him , had lived a life totally without sin , and his reward was to be cruelly tortured and die an unimaginably agonizing death . "'my God , my God , why has thou forsaken me'' . The words hung in the air like a battle cry .

Speaker 3

After a long moment of silence , the preacher turned and looked at the cross . It was less than a minute , but it seemed longer until he turned back to the congregation . "'we all know the Easter story , but we spend too much time on the resurrection . A two thousand pound stone is rolled back and the Son of God rises from the dead . It's natural to focus on that moment that defines Christianity' . His hands rose to the sky . "'not only is it a miracle , but it is the miracle that offers salvation to all who believe . But what if we do a little deeper dive' .

Speaker 3

"'how many of you have the patience to watch a six-hour movie' . The preacher's eyes scanned the pews , but no hands were raised . "'it's hard to imagine that there is anything we would want to endure for six straight hours , unless it's sleep . But without those six hours on Good Friday , there is no Easter' . He shook his head . "'no one wants to dwell on the hard facts' he said softly . "'our God , the creator of the universe , is being executed . His cheeks are caked with spit and blood and his lips are cracked and swollen . A crown of thorns rips his scalp as his lungs scream with pain . His legs had to knot with pain . His nerves had to be on the verge of snapping . And this excruciating torture wasn't for two or four hours , it was for six hours' .

Speaker 3

Leaving the pulpit , the preacher walked among the parishioners . His lavalier microphone caught every word as he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper "'Christ , the Lord , has risen' . Because he rose from the dead , our sins are not only forgiven , but , even more amazing . They are forgotten' Collectively , as if choreographed . It seemed like the entire congregation nodded in assent as the preacher acted as if a fresh thought had come to him' he smiled and continued "'If we were writing the Easter story , I think we would have changed the narrative .

Speaker 3

Even if we agreed that Jesus had to die , I think we'd have made it a quick , painless death . He was the only person to ever live without committing a sin . Didn't he deserve better' . "'also' he spread his arms wide in a sweeping motion . "'don't you think we could have had one grand final miracle before he had to die ? I don't know about you , but I'd like the Roman soldier who speared him and those that placed a crown of thorns on his head and all those that tormented him , to know they were killing the Son of God' Contrary to human nature , jesus didn't just want revenge or to punish those who tortured him . Instead , he said forgive them , father , for they know not what they do Now .

Speaker 3

Today , we have a lot of television shows and movies doing what they call a reboot . Sorry , but there can be no better story than the Easter story . No reboot is required . Every second was scripted . In fact , every second of Jesus's life was preordained .

Speaker 3

How often do we think about why Christ's execution had to be so agonizing ? He was pierced for our transgressions . He was crushed for our inequalities . The punishment that brought us peace was upon him , and by his wounds we are healed . That is found in Isaiah 5.3.5 . In the words of the great preacher , billy Graham , flogged bits of glass and rocks , shredded the flesh of his back , nailed to the rough wood of the cross and left hanging there to experience the excruciating pain of death by suffocation .

Speaker 3

The pastor's words seemed to reverberate throughout the church . If it seems like I'm fixated on the gory details of Christ on the cross , it's because I am Sometimes among the families celebrating this holy day and egg hunts and Easter candy . Maybe we lose focus about the real meaning of Easter . In a quieter voice , he said Maybe , just maybe . The message was that , no matter how hard our burdens are , no matter how painful life can be at its lowest moments , god is with us . He understands , not just today , but every day . Keep your eyes on the cross , look for Jesus , talk to Jesus , worship Him and please , please , thank Him for the gift of life For those who are able . Please lean forward , cross your arms and lay your head on the pew in front of you , although the parishioners had never been asked to do that before they all complied , they waited to hear the preacher's words .

Speaker 3

We can't rewrite the Easter story , he said quietly , but we can rewrite our story . Less judgment , more kindness . What can we do to help others ? When was the last time you told your spouse you loved him or her ? If you are here , god still has a purpose for you . Take time with him in quiet meditation . Your name was carved on his hand before you were born . He has been with you every second of your life . Why do we think that when we get older , god is through with us ? How can you find out what his plans are for you without asking him ? On this glorious Easter morning , I ask you to do whatever it takes to make your story align with God's will . You can reboot , rewrite or create a new chapter . He will be there to help you . He did it for my life and he can do it for yours Now . Please rise and join me in our closing hymn . Christ , the Lord has risen .

Speaker 3

Today , brother Eller felt like he was waking from a dream as he walked down the aisle . David's powerful sermon had mesmerized him and touched his very soul . With each step , the congregation members reached out and touched him with smiles and often tears . David surely had been God's messenger . As his people slowly exited the aisles and walked toward the back , eller savored every moment . Tom Parsons moved quicker than the others and was the first to greet him . Brother Eller , I want to tell you that it was not false advertising . You promised us something special and you delivered big time . I have never been more moved by a sermon . He put his arm on the old preacher's shoulder , lowered his voice and winked After today I'm going to have at least a couple dozen volunteers to paint our church . It should be finished by next Sunday . Eller blinked . David had been a gift from God and it was really reaping benefits . When Beasturgis approached him , propriety went out the window . He grabbed him in a massive bear hug , lifted him off the ground and said Thank you . Reaching into her flowered dress pocket , she pulled out a damp tissue and wiped her eyes . Eller couldn't help but smile when the cherubic face of Larry Major greeted him with a wide mouthed grin and two thumbs up . With each greeting each parishioner , the message was the same .

Speaker 3

Still , eller started feeling worse and worse . As mysteriously as he had appeared . David had vanished . Eller felt guilty of receiving all the acclaim . His eyes swept the interior of the church and even stopped and looked out the open church doors . It wasn't right . He straightened up and continued greeting the line of well-wishers , half listening to their glowing comments . Part of him wanted to go back to the pulpit and tell them how David was a true miracle .

Speaker 3

At the end of the line was Mabel Williams , the church's oldest member , at ninety-two five-foot-tall . If she stood on her tiptoes she was still a remarkable woman . Instead of greeting Eller , she stayed about three feet away , appraising him like she was deciding whether to purchase him or not . Finally , after a minute of uncomfortable silence for him , she said "'That wasn't you , was it' ? "'no' Eller said smiling . "'i didn't think you'd mind' . "'oh , never mind' , she said , "'i just didn't think I'd live to see it' . "'see what' , he asked puzzled . "'well , I've been here for every sermon you've ever given . This is the first time God spoke through you' . "'well , I wish they were my words , mabel , but that was David speaking' , he said kindly . Mabel snorted "'I have known you since you were a pup , joseph David Eller , so don't you try pulling one on this old lady' . Brother Eller looked at her like she'd lost her mind . "'now stop trying to mess with me and turn around and hug that beautiful family of yours' . He turned around as if in a dream and he was smothered in hugs from Becky and his twin twelve-year-old grandchildren . Tears flowed from his eyes as Becky kissed his face .

Speaker 3

"'pop' my boss called me yesterday . He paid for our airline tickets to Nashville . We wanted to surprise you' . "'why' ? "'well first' said his granddaughter , lucy , with a smile that covered her face so that we could hear the world's greatest preacher rock the house' . Becky laughed . She cupped her hand over her mouth like she was telling him a secret . She wasn't the only one . I was afraid we wouldn't get down from the balcony because Billy had to stop everyone and exclaim "'That's my grandpa' . Eller hugged her again , overcome with love for his blessings . Both the kids were right . That was amazing , pop , but I didn't just bring your two favorite people in the whole world . I've got some news . I have been asked to run our Nashville office . So , neighbor , you're going to be seeing a lot more of us , whether you like it or not' .

Easter Miracles and God's Grace

Speaker 3

Eller pulled a handkerchief out of his suit pocket and wiped his eyes . It was almost more than his heart could take . Looking down at his granddaughter , who looked so much like his late wife , he said "'Do you think that sermon deserves extra in the collection plate' . She nodded her head vigorously . He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the crumpled bills . "'could you and Billy run up to the altar and place these twelve disciples in the plate for me' . He dealt out exactly six to each as they ran up the aisle clutching the money . Brother Eller knew he could never explain what had happened , probably would never discuss it with anyone else and was not supposed to feel guilty about accepting God's grace . He knew for certain that it had been God's words . I am always with you' Breathing deeply and for the last time on this most holy day , his eyes went to the cross .

Speaker 2

I'm walking with Jesus and I'm never alone . I'm walking with Jesus till he calls me home" .

Speaker 1

Thank you for listening to Easter Miracles . If you enjoyed it , it would be great if you passed it on to friends , colleagues or even your churches . Also , if you're so inclined , I would love to read your thoughts at Marvin McIntyre 14 C-mailcom . May God bless you .