I was eating a late lunch at a Captain D's, outside of Cleveland, Tennessee that is. It was one of those days that despite all the humidity outside, you couldn't keep enough liquid inside. So after too many sweet teas, I was finishing my hush puppies, and finally took some time to come up for air. This side of the restaurant was empty except for me, and an adjoining table of six men. And I couldn't help but over hear what they were talking about. They were obviously with some church, and were interviewing the sixth man. The interviewers all were white, short hair, ties, and looked very religious. The man being interviewed was black, from Africa, you could tell by his accent, and dressed in jeans and a red shirt. They were done eating, and by the size of the interviewers, had probably eaten one or more of everything on the menu. Dinner talk was done, and now it was time to get down to business.
But something struck me, and as I eavesdropped, it became evident that this black man was out of their league. While the others were steeped in denominational tradition, and had their set of rules, this man had something different. And one of the interviewers picked up on it, and at that point saw beyond this man's skin color. He also saw that this man would not be a good fit for whatever position they offered him. And the more they talked, it was evident that although he could man many positions within the church, he was a threat. What if he invited or brought others like him in? What if his wife wore pants? What if brother and sister so and so-major donors, didn't agree with his doctrines? What if he taught from the Bible, showed love, forgiveness, and reached out to others with the gospel of Jesus Christ? How would that make the rest of us look?
For you see his skin color had nothing to do with his being different. While the other men were steeped in legalism, he was walking in the spirit. And that freedom that God promises when walking in the spirit was something that they weren't ready to deal with. In fact it posed a threat. They would have to change-all of them, not to be like this stranger, but to be like Jesus. In many ways, a stranger to them.
I left before I saw the outcome, but I could already tell what it was. This black man had a vision, and a purpose, and was in the spirit. The best way I could describe the others to you was like the night after they found Jesus' body was not in the tomb. All the remaining disciples hid in an upper room, door locked, because of fear. While Thomas, who wasn't with them, was still about God's business. And they called him Doubting? Just like these men, they feared what they should have not. And their pride would keep them from ever enjoying the fullness of Christ. And maybe even heaven. They had kept the rules of the church, with only one thing absent-Jesus. And without His love, would never fulfill the great commission.
Maybe this is the Mystery of Christ. He was able to unite both Jew and Gentile, while no other means could. He offered love, and showed the fallacy of living under legalism. He forgave, when others still pointed out others weaknesses. And like this African man, wasn't looking for a position in the church, but wanted to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. And his own people, the church, rejected him.
We often talk about the fact that we don't know who or when someone is watching us. That day I was an observer, and got more from lunch than sweet tea. I saw the sweetness of Jesus portrayed in a man, but sadly not in a group of men. If your life is more representative of the church types, I suggest you try Jesus. Let Him heal your heart. Be part of the mystery of Christ revealed to a lost and dying world. Love the unlovely, don't wait for an apology to forgive, and reach out to others. Be the only Bible many may read.
And just like the blind man, who Jesus gave back his sight, when asked about it, said "I don't know if He is good or bad, all I know is I was blind, and now I see!" That afternoon I saw more clearly. The law brings death, the spirit gives life. Truly, where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Even in Cleveland.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com
