Maybe we should not talk about Billy and God in the same essay. Billy is about as close to nothing in this world as you can get. He lives on the streets of Jerusalem and everything he owns is in a bag. He is an average looking man of about 30 years. Billy knows the ways of Christianity and uses them to his advantage. Sometimes we would find Billy just outside the gate to Christ Church, the oldest active church in Jerusalem. Located there is the only Christian bookstore in Old Jerusalem. This small rock store has been in business for many years. Most American tourist have been to this store. Maybe you've been there. Maybe you've met Billy.
One of Billy's scams is to pick a likely tourist out in front of this store. Billy would begin a tale of how if he just had a Bible, he could serve Jesus. He had several versions of this story and they seem to work for him because Billy does not look hungry. One day, against all advice, we went in and bought a beautiful little Bible with a flap and a snap to keep the pages safe. When he took off with the Bible, he had a look of satisfaction on his face. He had outsmarted another sucker.
Billy's scam is not that he is desperate for the Word of God. Billy uses the Word of God to sell. If you ever go to Israel (or have been), don't try to give out Bibles. It is illegal. Because of this, there is a demand for underground Bibles. Some Jews have hidden a Bible so they can read it secretly. Thus enters Billy's manipulation of this situation. One way Billy supports himself is to trade his Bibles for food and things he needs. Is it possible that God uses Billy and Billy does not even know it? Throughout the Bible we find stories of how God uses people that aren't His children to further His plan. Some of God's children in Israel today are feeding their spiritual hunger with the help of Billy's physical hunger.
He (God) chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. (1 Cor 1:28-29)
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