Mr. Stone

This is the story of a man named Stone, he lived in a city of about five hundred thousand persons. Mr. Stone was ordinarily a very tough man that people feared,  but at some point in his life, he began to walk with a group of friends who transformed him. The head of this group was a very good man who ensured that all the men in this group were perceived well by everyone in the society.

As Mr. Stone spent more time with this group of friends, he learnt a couple of interesting life principles from the head of this group, like how it was possible for a person to be kind even to those who weren’t kind to them . He also began to practice how to be kind to women, children and also fellow men like himself. The group head also showed & taught them how to pray and have communion with God. Infact, he taught them the way to make things happen down here on earth. The bond was so great.

One life changing occasion that is difficult to forget was how the head of this group prayed for Me. Stone’s mother-in-law on her sick bed. She had been sick for a while and was diagnosed with high fever. She was on medication but not so much was happening and one fateful day the group head prayed for her and she was healed on the spot. The group head did everything to ensure all the men lived well, happy and together.

Something very significant then happened. Apparently, the group head was not from the city. The innovative things he was doing with the group had spread and some indigenous & powerful persons found that very offensive. They felt threatened because It was as though a stranger was becoming the man of the season. They had to set up a scandal against him. It didn’t take long before this scandal spread everywhere and the police came and arrested him, the news spread so quickly and the whole group of friends became so worried.

The group head had no family in the city. He had nobody to come to his rescue. It was expected that his friends that he had committed his time to building and giving his all to would stand by him but the opposite happened. All these guys he had spent his life teaching and influencing ran away. The most traumatizing part was that Mr. Stone was identified as one of those who had followed the group head about, but he completely denied that he never knew the group head and had not even seen him before. He did this repeatedly even while reminiscing on how he healed his wife’s mother. This was very tough for anyone to bear. Eventually, the group head was sentenced to death. 

Interestingly, the group head knew Mr. Stone was going to deny him in the face of tribulation. He already shared with the group that he had a revelation of a strong wave of accusation and what would happen. 

Still, in the face of all these, the group head forgave Mr. Stone even before Mr. Stone did such a terrible thing. I have never seen such love before.

The Story of Mr. Stone and the Group Head is that of Peter and Jesus’ presented differently.

Did you see what I wanted you to see? Peter denied Jesus but still he became the one Christ called and trusted with His gospel. What have you done that you feel is beyond the hand of forgiveness? Peter dined physically with Christ, he was in the inner circle of Jesus but betrayed His trust. If Peter could be forgiven, restored and empowered, you should note two things: God is not angry with you and you can also let go of that person who hurt you.

Unforgiveness hinders the flow of God’s power and grace. He has forgiven you, so, forgive yourself and also extend the same grace of forgiveness to others.

Blessed Week ahead. 

Be Innovated.

Olufemi Ibitoye