Sandra writes about a stranger in threadbare jeans who showed up at her church to pray. The man sat in front, which she found unusual for a visitor. And she writes movingly about her regret at doing nothing, at the lack of hospitality of her congregation:
Our pastor completed his sermon and asked the piano player and song leader to come forward. He asked everyone to stand and sing an invitational hymn while he invited visitors and members alike to come forth to repair their souls, repent of their sins, and dedicate their lives to God by accepting Jesus Christ as their savior and healer. The pastor held up his arms in invitation to all and we began to sing, "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me….."
Only one soul moved from his seat and in his threadbare shirt and faded jeans, head bowed, he walked to the front pew and knelt alone to pray. And may our Father forgive us all, for we-not one-made no move to kneel beside this poor stranger and pray along with him. For his soul and our own, we did nothing-each person, pastor included, left it to the next to make the first move so that none did.
As I left the church that day, I felt such a terrible heaviness of guilt and shame. Still today I pray over and over for forgiveness at doing nothing. And I think; what if that had been Jesus and this was the greatest test of our true faith? We may never know; for He never returned and there will be no second chance for salvation of those who don't care enough.
4 comments:
Very sad.
BG - It is -regrets, of the spiritual kind.
that IS sad.
I had a sad experience at church today. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have.
http://lifeasaplatypus.wordpress.com/2008/09/21/i-had-a-feeling-today-might-not-be-a-good-day/
Goldie - sure, I left some suggestions over at your blog. Please let me know if you need resources, want to email me, etc.
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