Bill is wild haired; his wardrobe for college is jeans and a T-shirt with holes in it. He recently became a believer while attending a campus Bible study.
Across from campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. One weekend Bill decides to go there. He walks in late and shoe-less. The sanctuary is packed. Bill heads down the aisle looking for a seat. Having nearly reached the pulpit, he realizes there are no empty seats, so he squats down on the carpet. The congregation is feeling uncomfortable.
Then from the back of the church, a gray-haired elder in a three-piece suit starts walking toward Bill with a cane. The worshipers don't expect a man in his eighties to understand some college kid on the floor. With all eyes focused on the developing drama, the minister waits to begin his sermon until the elder does what he has to do.
The elderly man drops his cane on the floor and with great difficulty lowers himself to sit next to Bill.
"What I'm about to preach," the minister begins, "you'll never remember. What you've just seen, you'll never forget."
I read this story years ago, but it still gets me every time. Gods love transcends generations, and bridges the gap between today and a long time ago.
Lord, help me to remember that ALL people are Your beautiful creation. Amen.
Have a great day and God bless!
Pastor Mike / The Open Word