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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 22, 2005 WELCOME |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, February 22, 2005 By
Penny Risen
Matthew
10: 40-42
The instinct is to whisper and almost tiptoe along the sleek whitewashed walls.
The tall, imposing windows aren’t adorned by curtains or stained glass. No
pulpit, no organ, no carpeting, we notice. Keeping a hushed voice as we slide
onto a rough wooden bench, a young companion confides: “Now I know why the
Pilgrims were so grim!”
Our visit to a few New England churches one weekend confirm to my sons that yes,
worship styles hundreds of years ago among our countrymen and women were stark
in comparison to how we worship today. A welcoming setting? For 21st century
folks, probably not. God’s Word remained constant, but we changed.
“We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts
what you do, accepts Me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts
what I do accepts My Father, who sent Me. Accepting a messenger
of God is as good as being God's messenger. Accepting someone's
help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I've called
you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small.
Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance.
The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice.
You won't lose out on a thing." The Message Bible
This passage in Matthew is how Jesus wraps up His instructions to His disciples as they begin their ministry together. It must have been good for these 12 very different men to feel Jesus’ confidence in them, and to share the bond of being welcomed as God’s messengers. You’re going to be challenging most individual’s comfort zone, their Teacher warns, so start small and friendly. Just remember your mission, He says, and carry the Word and love of My Father along with you.
Is your church welcoming to you? If you attend in the same place regularly, you probably picked it as your church because of many factors that matter to you: The pastors; music; setting or service space; language of the liturgy and worship; whether families or people your age or outlook are present; activities or outreach goals of the congregation. But when people are welcoming and make you feel comfortable, that’s usually the clincher for whether you’ll return as a member. Some people like to see and hear the same reassuring routine at worship week after week, while others thrive on variety and lively worship.
“It’s all good,” as a friend of mine puts it, when God’s at the core of all we do there. He’s the reason that we keep returning to the flock for renewal and service as His messengers.
Back to that stark New England-style church. Years ago one summer in Connecticut, I helped a very musical family prepare for an evening worship service and recital in just such a seemly bare-boned sanctuary. We hauled in a harpsichord for my friend’s father to play, cellos and violins for my friend and her sisters. We were greeted at the door by the woman pastor, wearing a light blue pantsuit and rainbow-patterned stole. Still garbed in what looked like their gardening clothes, several members arrived with armfuls of colorful flowers that were quickly placed around the church. Another member proudly handed off a bottle of his homemade wine and a loaf of bread to the pastor for communion. Families came with kids, hugging throw pillows that they spread on the floor for sitting and lounging on throughout the vespers. All was ready.
It doesn’t matter what exact words were said or what music was played in praise of God --- the welcoming feeling in the room and the musicians’ serene faces told the story.
That Sunday evening as the sun set through the high windows, a summer breeze blew thorough the open back door, and the music poured over the people, we felt God’s presence.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, I pray that despite our differences and comfort zones, we can all feel welcome at worship with You. Guide me to be a messenger, just as Christ guided His twelve. Bind us together in Your Spirit and love. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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