Y'all Come! - God

“Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31b

Alright! That’s what I’m talking about. Sunday morning, get away from the rat race. Time with Jesus all to ourselves. No pesky crowd of needy people swarming Him and us!

But the crowd came and Jesus saw things differently. He had compassion…

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things. – mark 6:34

Jesus saw the needy people and spent time with them. Teaching. Probably some listening too. And hugs. They were looking for relief and thought he would give them something to fix their situation. But He taught them.

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. – Mark 6:42-43

There were leftovers so even more people could have joined them – and we often reference that point when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. There is room for more. But are we really ready and willing to accept more into “our” fold, which is really God’s fold? I pray a difference is made in our minds that its God’s church and God’s table and God’s children. What do you envision when you pray for church growth? Ten more fussy babies? Rag tags in jeans and T-shirts? What about really wealthy? What about really wealthy of a different nationality? What about rehab prisoners done serving their time? Ten of those okay? With their families? Those struggling to maintain middle class… the Lord has no such filters. God loves them all. God’s house. God’s table. God’s people. If we believe God leads and guides us, surely He leads and guides them… to “your” church doors? No, God’s church doors.

Lord, please send ten wiggly babies with their parents. Send ten prisoners set free in more ways than one. Send wealthy people of every color. Send ten families living paycheck to paycheck – that all may come and hear what You have to teach. May there be groups and crowds of such diversity that no one distinction stands out any more than the rest.

When you pray for church growth, is this what you envision? It is God’s plan that all might come to know Him. Do you really want to be a part of that – under your own church roof? Excuse me, I mean, God’s church roof?