Today I missed him. Worship was phenomenal with prophecy and a spontaneous song. The preaching of the word convicted me of an area of sin and gave me hope for change. I was reminded of God’s faithfulness as the service closed with the baptism of 6 believers. And then walking out to my car, children in tow, I missed Jesus. Jesus visited our church and not only did I miss him, I was embarrassed of him and dismissed him.
As I was walking to the car a lady approached me in the parking lot of our church (which happens to be in one of the top 5 wealthiest counties in the USA) she had written on a piece of paper – Mother of 7 children, need money for rent. Please help. God Bless you. She didn’t speak much English. As soon as I saw her sign I got uncomfortable, I hastened my step and mumbled, no I’m sorry I can’t help you as I pulled my daughter behind me. My daughter wanted to know what was happening and I mumbled “she wanted us to give her money.” I felt a twinge of regret and a thought of hey maybe you should go back there and see if you can help her, but my schedule and plans didn’t have time for that.
Matthew 25:44-45 Then they also will answer, saying, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you? Then he will answer them, saying, “Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”
How far I fall short!!! My heart is grieved. I weep for the orphan, I attempt to ease my conscience by bringing a delivery of groceries to a local food pantry and yet miss Jesus right in front of me. I’m thankful for the conviction of my sin and can’t help but wonder, “How many people met Jesus at my church today? And how many people (like me) turned him away? Did that lady find any of the help she was looking for? In a church of all places?” I can only pray that someone else showed her the love of Christ in a very real and tangible way, and repent of my pride and arrogance and seek to change and honor God by caring for the least of these. Oh God forgive me and change my heart!
1 Comment
November 24, 2009 at 12:11 am
Beej- thanks for your honesty. I had a similar experience in Antigua… walked by several people begging, while I was souvenier shopping of all things. I was convicted as well. We were there to minister, yet walked right by some of the neediest people we saw. God have mercy on us.