I was honored to be able to introduce Jesus to a man who came to a Sunday night service in Belize, all alone - sat alone - did not sing or stand or clap or participate in any way until I did a teaching on Zacchaeus. He began to add some comments as the congregation shared their thoughts on the interaction between this wealthy, well-dressed, little man who climbed a tree in order to see Jesus and the person of God, who called Zacchaeus by name, insisting that He was to go to his house that very day. They realized that a person who is looking for Jesus, may have to overcome the obstacles that a crowd can put in front of them, find creative ways to get to Jesus, overcome prejudice from those who think they are right with God when you're not and be willing to not let the religious crowd keep you from doing whatever it takes to get to see who Jesus really is.
Before the service had started, I noticed this man sitting alone in the back of the church...and waved at him, He waved back. I found myself praying for him often during the service and especially when the local pastor opened the altar and gave an invitation to come forward for prayer. Some women responded immediately but this man hesitated. I prayed more. I prayed urgently.
Then he realized that he needed to give himself to God the same way that Zacchaeus did - - and just like in that story Jesus knew him by name, welcomed him and declared that he too was saved. Jesus rejoiced and so did this church, as they came and embraced the man and made sure that he was no longer alone.
What a beautiful thing the church is when it works like this.
I just wanted to share this moment with you.
Pastor Ray
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
That is what missions is all about. Your comments about this man touched my heart. You have a great gift of communication and God uses you mightily. I loved your observations of this passage. Thanks for sharing. Bon T
Post a Comment