p. 657 | How the Lord Repaid by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 10, 1913

How the Lord Repaid

By W. A. S.

THE familiar scripture about the bread cast upon the water and returning later to the giver is illustrated by the following incident from the German:—

A poor man with an empty purse came one day to Michael Feneberg, the godly pastor of Seeg, in Bavaria, and begged three crowns, that he might finish his journey. It was all the money Feneberg had, but as he besought him so earnestly in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus he gave it.

Immediately after, he found himself in great outward need, and seeing no way of relief he prayed, saying, “Lord, I lent thee three crowns; thou hast not yet returned them, and thou knowest how I need them. Lord, I pray thee give them back.”

The same day a messenger brought a money letter, which Gossmer, his assistant, reached over to Feneberg, saying, “Here, father, is what you expended.”

The letter contained 200 thalers (about $150), which the poor traveler had begged from a rich man for the vicar; and the childlike old man, in joyful amazement, cried out, “Ah, dear Lord, one dare ask nothing of thee, for straightway thou makest one feel so much ashamed!”

It was a pleasing sequel to a benevolent act. Doubtless many who read of it may recall experiences of kindly aid extended which have never come back, in kind at least. But there is blessing in the generous deed itself; and as for further reward, and return, let it be remembered that the Lord does not settle all the accounts monthly or yearly, or in this life. The settlement in full will come sometime, of a surety, with many a surprise to kindly hearts as the record of the angels is opened. So “cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.”

W. A. S.