The Visitor
One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived
early, parked his car, and got out.
Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told
him, "I always park there. You took my place."
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found and
empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the
church approached him and stated, "That's my seat.
You took my place." The visitor was somewhat
distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.
After Sunday School, the visitor went into the
church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked
up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You
took my place." The visitor was even more troubled by
this treatment, but still said nothing.
Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to
dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his
appearance began to change. Horrible scars became
visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.
Someone from the congregation noticed him and called
out, "What happened to you?"
The visitor replied, "I took your place."
