First Church of God

In the sanctuary, I make final preparations for rehearsal. Band members will begin arriving in a few moments. Looking through the stain glass Jesus, my eye catches movement in the gathering area. A homeless guy wanders aimlessly there. My first instinct is to duck. Isn’t that terrible? But it’s the truth.

Then I remember who it is I am looking at. It’s Jesus. I come down off the platform, leave the sanctuary, and greet this man. His name is Tony. He needs money for a ride to Chicago. I promise to talk with him after the worship service, then point him in the direction of donuts.

We rehearse music, people arrive, we sing songs, and then it’s time for the sermon. Where is Tony? I find him sitting all alone in the gathering area. It seems that no one invited him into the sanctuary; or if they did, he must have refused. Tony, would you like to sit with me for the church service? We find a pew towards the back.

Sitting next to Jesus (one of the least of these) makes me smile. What an honor it is! After church we grab some lunch, and then I help Tony on his way.

I don’t feel at all like a goat today!!!