WE WILL DO THEE GOOD!

 

Sunday, November 15, 2020

 

WE WILL DO THEE GOOD!

 

Num 10:29

29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.

 

           Today, for the first time since 1968, I will join a church without moving into a leadership position. For the past 52 years, any transition from church to church has been because of a leadership change and a change in geography as well.

 

           I have been reintroduced to the dreaded feeling of being a “visitor” or “guest.” Whichever term you use, is of little comfort or consequence to the one who approaches your church door as a stranger. It is somewhat daunting, and the assigned greeters are of little comfort in spite of their eager sincerity. No, this new thing must be confronted courageously.

 

           When, as a “guest,” one finds a true welcome, masks come off and friendships are made. There is an adoption offered and received. A new family relationship is made. The full definition of welcome bears fruit.

 

           Amos 3:3 asks: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” The obvious answer is no. It takes a while to develop relationships but, once made, strong relationships are not easily abandoned and, in fact, are not abandoned even though separated by many miles.

 

           Today, someone will approach a church door with some anxiety. Their senses will be raw as they search for points of agreement or doctrinal anomalies but above all else, they will be sensitive to a true welcome and a place to belong.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for a welcoming church community. I know they will do me good. AMEN