This week the sermon was based on the idea from Henry Nowen's book, "The Wounded Healer." In his book he reminds us that Christ was a man of sorrow and familiar with grief. Roman's 12:1-21 reminds us, as Christians, that we ought to relate to people even though they may not be saved. We need to be friends with them not just to convert them; but because we love them. We need to identify their needs and meet them out of a love for Christ and others; and not because of an alterior motive or becuase we get paid to do so. We need to give people our seat if need be. If a new person comes into our church and doesn't know the lingo or the language we ought to be willing to set up front and give them our seat. Even if we have sat in the same place for years. What good would a hospital be if when sick people showed up they found a lock on the door? What good would the hospital beds be if they were all filled with people who are well? We need to remind people in the world that the church is for sinners and not just for those who have been converted. We need to stop focusing on our needs and begin to focus on the needs of those who need Christ; even if they don't realize thier need.
Most importantly, we need to remember Mephibosheth. He was the only living grandson of King Saul when David took the throne. Normally, when a new king came to power they would eliminate all other successors to the throne. This time, David kept his word to Saul's son Jonathan. He promised he would provide for his family. Mephibosheth was given a portion of land for all of his relatives, he was made a noble, and he ate at the kings table for the rest of his life. We must remember that we are like Mephibosheth. We don't deserve to eat at the kings table. Yet, we are invited to come anyway. In that, we must also be willing to share our table with those who need to know Christ. Even if they are social outcasts.
These are my thoughts from this mornings sermon. Let me know what you think. What could I have added? What would have worked better? How did these words help you grow spiritually? Looking forward to your thoughts.
Just a few recent pictures
17 years ago
2 comments:
When I was pretty young, my parents invited George, a huge, smelly, homeless man into our home and gave him a place to sleep for a few nights. I thought my parents were crazy! Here's this man that showed up to our church at the time looking for some canned goods and the next thing I know, he's sleeping on (and breaking) our couch. This morning made me realize that I unknowingly draw a line in the sand as far as who I would invite to the table. I've easily shared my life with a number of people sitting in chair 1. Yet when it comes to a sex offender, perspective came into view - how can I accept some, but check off others who don't "pass my test" so to speak. We serve an Amazing God who does not approve of sin, but opens His arms to accept the sinners.
Erica,
Sometimes I think God might be testing us our love for Him in these situations. His disciples asked, "Lord when were you hungry? When were you thirsty and when were you in prison?" If they had known they would have done all of these things. Jesus said, "What you do for the least of these you do unto me." We are not always going to be faced with a sex offender or homosexual; but we might be faced with a smoker who stinks up our car or a cat lover who makes our allergies go haywire: I have this problem all the time. but, we must still open our table to them because Christ would. We must remember that where they struggle in one area we struggle in another. We are all in the same boat in need of the same savior. If the people in our congregation grasp this concept I look forward to an influx of new belivers to fill our pews.
Thanks for your thoughts. They have been very encouraging. Have a good week.
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