As a pastor I have noticed that after we say Amen at the end of the service people immediately head to their perspective groups. Some will meet in this corner, others in another and then some might meet out in the parking lot. Why do we do this I ask? Is it because we feel most comfortable with these people? Is it because we want to talk about other groups? Or is it because we just do? Who really knows the answer to these questions? What I can say is that it happens. It shouldn't but it does. Although we see that the disciples had a hard time with it:
John 4:1-42
Here we see that Jesus is resting at a well in Samaria while the disciples head to town to but some food(John 4:8). As Jesus is waiting a Samaritan woman comes up to the well at different time than most. This woman was considered a sinner by her own people and she was out on her own. Jesus speaks to her and asks for some water. This astounds her due to the fact that Jews don't associate with Samaritans. Well Jesus in his own way proves to her that he is the Messiah and that she can receive salvation (John 4:10). She hurries off to tell others in town about Jesus. The disciples return to be shocked and astounded that JESUS is talking to this SAMARITAN woman. What in the world was he thinking? Doesn't he know that we are not part of that group?
Then Jesus cuts to the point. The disciples didn't get any food (John 4:31-33). The question is to me ...did they really look. Or were they blinded by disgust in town. I can just see them in a tight knit group heading through town. They really don't talk to anyone then they just give up and head back.
Jesus uses this as an example to show them that they need to open their eyes and see that the Samaritans are open to salvation. Then it is proven through the people headed back to Jesus and their eventual proclamation of him being the savior.
I think churches today need to open their eyes. If they look they will see there are people within feet of them read to hear the Good News. The only thing that is stopping God's people is their pride. Let's break these groups and go to the fields. For soon they will spoil.
2 comments:
Too bad your church is full of these clicks and they have a way of running people out of it.If you dont meet their standards they will advoid you and push you out.
I wasn't specifically speaking our my church but in churches in general. I have preached in many churches and have seen this. To say that our church is perfect would be a lie. But we are well on our way to dissolving those clicks. This post was really meant to wake churches in general. Thanks for your comment
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