Next door to us, across the barn lot on Mr. Olan Gray's place lived Esau and Annie. They have since died, but my memories of them have not. The time was in the 50's and 60's. Our country was getting ready to undergo some needed changes. You see Esau and Annie were black folk. I had seen Esau, on several occasions being humbly, silent as the other farm hands called him the N word. He just laughed it off as I remained silent. I was young, accepted things as they were, and did not have the courage to do otherwise.
I regret not getting to know him and Annie better. They were good hard working people. They went through hard times. I have seen Annie picking blackberries, gathering polk salad, and catching fish out of the farm pond. I have plowed, cut and raked hay, driven cattle and hogs with Esau. Many days in the summer I worked along side him maybe 10 hours. We never really got beyond small talk. I called Larry Gray today and he told me Esau served as a deacon at the Baptist church, but Annie went to the Methodist church. I had forgotten that he was also a barber on Saturdays.
I went to see Esau shortly before he died. He had lung cancer and finally died at his home. I miss him, but what I really miss, is not acknowledging my respect for him. He was a very humble man and seemed always to have a smile. I could have learned from him how to handle adversity with humility and kindness. I wished I had helped him more and showed him that I really cared about him and Annie.
I wear the name Christian, but sometimes I wonder if I act in a way that people from all walks of life feel comfortable in approaching me. I always felt comfortable around Esau. I believe anyone could.
When Christ walked this earth, he showed kindness and love to all of every walk of life. I would like to point out the impression that Christ gave to those who needed him most. Turn in your Bible to Luke 7:36-50. In reading this I had to ask myself this question. Do people come to me when they have messed up their lives knowing I will be compassionate and forgiving and offer them comfort? Let's read an example of this in God's word.
She was publicly known by the Pharisees as a sinner. Did she approach them for comfort? Remember they were the religious people of the day. But, she had seen this One who had shown so much compassion to the poor and down trodden. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and promised a new way of life. Can you imagine how she was feeling? She was ashamed of her reputation. Up until this time no one had given her any comfort or hope.
Now a Pharisee,Simon, invited Jesus to eat with him. He neither kissed Jesus or offered to wash his feet as was the custom. I believe he just invited Him out of curiosity. When this sinner knew that Jesus sat at the table, she came in and stood behind Him holding a flask of fragrant oil. All Simon could think, if this man is a prophet he should know this woman is a sinner. Did this man care about Jesus or the woman? His religious life was sure not going to attract anyone in need.
We now see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet with her tears.She also anointed his feet with the fragrant oil and wiping them with her hair. Oh, what an impact Jesus had made on her. She was willing to take the risk of being publicly humiliated honoring Jesus at the Pharisees house. In verse 50, Jesus told her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
How many times have any of you witnessed someone coming into your worship service, off the street, sobbing and crying because of their sins, wanting the forgiveness of God? Was your answer 0?
The church represents Christ's body here on earth. Should we not attract as Christ did? How would we look upon them? Would we act like the Pharisee or Christ?
Unless, we as his body live like Him, believe in Him 100% ourselves, love like He does, forgive like He does, and have the compassion for the lost that He does, we may never see someone off the street coming in, sobbing for their sins, and so grateful for Jesus and what He did for them. We also have to call sin what it is and have no pleasure in sin.
If we build a Christ like reputation for ourselves that the lost world has not seen, they will come. They will come because we see them like us, sinners that needed a savior. Do you think Simon seemed a little self righteous? I now ask myself that same question. I am nothing without Jesus. Where are you? Where are they?
Christ mixed with all to let His Father's light shine on everyone. We, His children, are asked to do the same.
Let's reach out to all walks of life making friends and sharing the Gospel of Christ.
WE HAVE HOPE, LET'S SHARE IT. MAY THOSE IN NEED FEEL COMFORTABLE AROUND US.
Comments welcome at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
