Today's Devotional

November 18,  2005

 

Subject:  The Visitor

Hebrews 13:2 "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Bible study was over last night and I stood in the pulpit of the church providing an update to the few attending on the progress of the church property that I was trying to purchase.  As I spoke, with a clear view down the aisle to the main entrance, I noticed a small, hooded person on the outside approaching the entrance.  The person appeared to be looking in the front door to see what was going on.  As I continued speaking, I made comments that alerted everyone to the fact that someone was lurking at the front door.  I continued on with my business remarks as my father gingerly picked himself up and made his way down the aisle to the back of the church.  Somewhat reminiscent of the Six-Million Dollar Man, from almost 60 feet away, it was if I could hear the words that this stranger was speaking as my dad opened up the door and began dialogue with the hooded figure.  I then realized that it was a short, dark female.  She was saying to my father that she was looking for a bible study and things to that effect.  She then moved inside of the door and I beckoned for her to come forward.  As I asked a few introductory questions, she began to dialogue about the happenings of her life.  Without all of the details, she gave an outstanding testimonial of the "prodigal" as she was looking to come back home.

Much more was said last night as we exchanged some personal information and as she talked about how she had grown up in a Christian home where her father was a pastor.  She had somehow strayed away from that foundation and wanted to know if we could help her get back on track.  My answer in short was "of course we can," and then I began to rattle off my own dialogue and testimony of how I too had a father who was a pastor of a church and how at one time years ago, I was a young, college student away from home.  I too had strayed somewhat from my roots in the college setting and had to return to God.  It was definitely God speaking through me and I was more than motivated about the exchange as it continued on for more than 30 minutes.  

It turned out to be a great night and this stranger became the center of inspiration and motivation about what God was doing with our church in the community.  The young lady said that she had passed by the church several times before, but never saw the light on.  On this night, she saw the lights on and that someone was there, so she ventured in.  

We need to remember that the church is to be a light, a place for the wayward, the hopeless and the lost.  We need to live like Motel 6 states in its commercials and radio ads, "we'll leave the light on for ya."  That is the light that draws men and women to Him.  So if strangers are at your doorstep today, perhaps like our visitor, they were drawn by "The Light."  Don't miss an opportunity.  Entertain them.

Carlen