| Luke 15:24 – “He was lost, but now he is found! So they began to have a party.” |
We were out of town and looking for a place to worship come Sunday. I texted a friend at our home church. He suggested a place. We showed up a few minutes early. Lots of people walked by me, not making eye contact. My wife was in the bathroom. I know a lot of people are shy about approaching strangers, so I decided to be patient and wait for an adventuresome soul. Mary Linda returned and we found a place to sit. Phyllis approached us. She met us both and asked a lot of questions about us. Soon another woman came up and met us.
Worship began and the chatter stopped. I love the singing. Something special happens when we send a song up to God. We took communion, a reminder of the wonderful redemption we have in Jesus. Paul got up to preach. “Turn to Luke 15.” I knew it was the parable of the lost things. Coin, sheep, and a son. The lost son is the story of all of us, and glimpses us into God’s heart like no other story. Many parents can see themselves as the hopeful father, running to meet a lost child. I have been all three characters. Paul told about a friend who returned to God as the lost son had. Paul made Jesus’ parable spring to life before my mind’s eyes. In no time, it seemed, he was through. I wanted to ask the church for prayers for a lost friend in my fold, but didn’t.
After the service, we met lots of folks. The last one we met was Patsy. She was Paul’s wife. “Tell Paul that was a good sermon.” Paul came looking for her. He had the car waiting and they had a house full waiting on them for lunch. Paul met us. “Patsy, did you invite them for lunch?” Her: “Not yet.” “Come have lunch with us. 307 North Jackson Street.” How could we say no to such friendly people. “Now, it is a zoo, but it will be good.” We wondered what to expect. We had a hard time getting anyone to answer the door. We soon learned why. The house was full of people.
It was more truly a zoo than I realized. Daughters, grandchildren, friends from church, all in a busy whirl preparing the meal. Paul and Patsy showed us their humble but welcoming home. Animal heads mounted everywhere as Paul is a big exotic animal hunter. It was three days before Paul’s birthday, and one of his two daughters baked a German chocolate cake. I broke my sugar fast to have a sliver. Everyone seemed interested in us, and we them. I left feeling blessed beyond what I expected when I began the day. I felt we chose the right place to worship.
Paul gave me a devotional book he wrote, and I have his business card with his email and phone. I have some new friends. And forever friends at that.
Father in heaven, thank You for the church, a haven for lost things, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
- Jeff Beall
