A GOD-LIVED LIFE: Join Us

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

          We are in the middle of a series of sermons with a Stewardship emphasis. Stewardship, ultimately, is about our entire life. We use what God gives us to his glory and for the good of our neighbor. Over the next few months, we will consider the various ways we use the gifts God gives us as is God-pleasing.

          Each month, I will be sending out an email to further encourage what we pondered on the first Sunday of that month. In this way, the thoughts do not perish by that Sunday evening, but each one can give intentional consideration how he or she may put into practice what was proclaimed as a God-pleasing way to serve him.
          For the month of December, we continue to consider what it means to have A Life of Hospitality.

A LIFE OF HOSPITALITY

Week #4      Join us

            When Jesus called Matthew to be his disciple, Matthew hosted a feast.  Naturally, he invited Jesus and, by extension, his disciples (perhaps six men at this time).  But then Matthew also invited his coworkers, colleagues, and acquaintances.  The Pharisees referred to these people as “tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 9:10). 

            I suppose Matthew could have rallied his friends and brought them into the synagogue with a friendly, “Hey, let’s go to church!”  But based on the Pharisees’ assessment of them, I think we can guess what kind of reception they might have gotten at a synagogue.  So, Matthew invited them to meet Jesus in a less threatening venue—his home. 

            Perhaps a non-church venue would be better suited to our friends.  More and more, people are not going to church.  Reasons vary, but church might seem like a very intimidating place.  They don’t know the people.  They are unfamiliar with the service.   Will they be embarrassed by getting the whole stand/sit/kneel thing wrong?  Do they fear that they will be treated with contempt, like “tax collectors and sinners”?  Is there still some recognition that they would be standing on holy ground and sacred space, and such recognition is startling?  While we want everyone to join us in God’s house, that may not be the first step in bringing people to Jesus.

            Your pastor is not Jesus.  That will forever be true.  But perhaps you can arrange a meeting between your friends and your pastor outside of church.  Matthew brought his friends over to his house.  That seems like a friendly place to arrange a meeting so that people can learn more about the grace God bestows upon sinners.  It also provides a more comfortable setting for people to ask penetrating and even challenging questions about the Scriptures.  At church, it might seem disrespectful (though it shouldn’t—where else can you get better answers?).  And a Divine Service is not really set up to allow for a Q & A during the sermon.

            While we want people to join us for church, it might be more hospitable to have them join us for a dinner, a barbeque, or a cup of coffee.  If they join us for some aspects of life, they might be less hesitant to join us for what really matters.  Of course, this means that we will eagerly extend the invitation.  And it means, if you think it is helpful, that you will tell your pastor, “These people have questions.  Can you join us, too?”  As much as possible, your pastor will be glad to.

            Invitations are easy.  “Hey, why don’t you join us?”  Our friendship is not phony, so whether it leads to church attendance and membership won’t matter.  We pray it does, though.  “Join us” is a good start.