Daily Devotions
Welcoming Jesus at Church
Reading for August 9th: Isaiah 54-58
Weekly reading for August 9-15: Matthew 25-28
"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"
Matthew 25:37-40
I read a story yesterday that really inspired me. It was about a man who was accepting the position of pastor at a 10,000 member church. He came to church on his first day, however, not dressed in a nice suit and tie but disguised as a homeless person by growing his hair long, not bathing for several days, and dressing up in rags.
The article went on to speak about how he was ignored, shunned, and otherwise poorly treated by the membership.
At the end of the service one of the elders got up to announce the new pastor and this man who appeared to be homeless walked forward (to everyone's surprise).
This story, however, is a hoax, it didn't really happen. But if you think about it, this story might not be fake after all.
Jesus loves every man, woman, and child who is on the streets. He loves everyone who sleeps on park benches and under bridges. He loves every soul burdened with addiction and mental instability. He loves the prostitutes. He loves drunks. He loves those dying of AIDS.
How do we treat these souls when they walk into church on Sunday? Do we look them in the eye, ask them their name, invite them to sit near us, receive them into our homes? Do they feel loved and welcomed? Are we telling them about Jesus? Are we offering them a message of forgiveness and hope?
No, this story is not fake at all. My guess is that Jesus feels dishonored and unwelcome in many churches on Sunday...
"as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it unto me."
Father, open our eyes and our hearts to all those who come into our worship assemblies.
