via >Jeremiah Steepek "Is it really necessary to transform oneself into a homeless person and walk into a church, walking around for half an hour asking people for pocket change to buy my lunch or dinner? Walking into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and being asked by the ushers if he would please sit in the back. Smiling at people just to receive stares and dirty looks, with people looking down in scorn and judgment. Sitting in the back row, listening to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, a deacon stood up and to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation. ”We would like to introduce to you Pastor Jeremiah Steepek”. The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. The clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him as he walked up the altar and took the microphone from the deacon and paused for a moment, then replied: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame. He then said…Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will YOU decide to become disciples? He then dismissed service until next week. Being a Christian is more than something you claim. It’s something you live by and share with others.”
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 23:45:43 +0000
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