Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV /
Recently I read the
following story. Several years ago I visited a man who had stopped attending
our church. Joe was getting up there in years but was still in fairly good
health. He greeted me at the door, but hesitated to let me in. “Joe” I
explained through the screen, “we’ve missed you at church. Is there any problem
that I should be aware of?”
“No” he replied. “I’m
getting older and I’m having some trouble getting around. It is just too
difficult for me to make it to church anymore.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. There are a lot of steps here and at the
church. I know you don’t have a car; and it’s a good mile from here to the
church. Is there any way that we can help?”
“I don’t know who I
would ask for a ride.” He said, and I detected the implication: And I
don’t want you to arrange one either. “How about if I visit you
regularly as a shut-in, instead? I could come to your house each month with
communion and a tape recording of one of the services for you to listen to at your
convenience. How would you like that?”
Joe's face dropped
suddenly, and his eyes averted mine. “That wouldn't work out because I’m gone
so much. You’d seldom find me at home.”
Brothers and Sisters, we
often find ways to walk away from things while often creating ways to go in
other directions. My prayer for you this
week is that instead of finding ways to walk away from God and others, you will
re-commit yourselves to your relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit. Remember, when you walk away,
God will remain right where you left him.
This is the day that the
Lord has made.
