So the question remains…what happened on Sunday?!?
But first I must digress…
When you hear the word Christian…what comes to mind?
Indifference? Someone who is Godly? Perhaps judgmental? Someone who is full of love and grace? Or quite the opposite…and grossly hypocritical?
Take a moment to ponder for yourself…what or who is a Christian to you?
Now let’s compare that thought with it’s origin in the Word…found in Acts 11:26 where it states “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
I believe first and foremost…it was based on whom the disciples followed. It was not a church or a denomination…it was based on a name…on a man…Jesus Christ.
And what were they known for…that is to say…what behaviors set them apart from the rest of the crowd?
There are many examples to choose from describing these amazing men of God, but I’ll settle on Stephen for a moment for proximity sake…found a couple chapters earlier in Acts 6:8…”Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.”
The truth is…the disciples stood out from the crowd…for their love…for their grace…for their boldness and power in Christ.
Pause. Let that settle.
If you are a Christian…may the disciples’ example convict you, convict me…
And if you are not…and have been hurt or turned off by a different portrayal of what it means to be a Christian…please know it is quite likely not Jesus Christ in whom you are offended…but a gross misrepresentation of him.
Ok…so…what does this have to do with Sunday?
Because Sunday came with disappointment and not one but two no-show’s (who admittedly did not have great church experiences in the past). I kept looking out the window before the service began…and tried praying them both into existence…imagining them walking through the parking lot…but they did not appear in the doorway. J The service was amazing and uplifting and therefore quite difficult to stay down, however – the two men – with two very different backgrounds and upbringings were not far from my heart. “Well God…they are in your hands…I pray that you water the seed which was planted.”
Sunday evening – Internet in the hotel/bar once again…as I wrapped up my evening and returned my rubbish (common term for trash in Europe) to the bar…I heard my name behind me. “Missed you this morning…I didn’t make it.” “I know…you stood me up!” I responded with a smile. (Reference “older local gentleman” from earlier blog) We shared a few entertaining words and then he gave me his email in order to keep up with my journeys…and so I will contact him…in hopes to keep up with his – as I keep telling him God has plans to use him. J
Monday afternoon – A couple hours off after our Ireland Team Debrief – preparing for Romania departure – girls went shopping! Aimlessly walking through a department store, weighing convenience and comfort against the extra weight in our packs when I hear…”Brandy?” I turn around and my heart leaps…as a smile takes immediate residency on my face. “John!” (you’ll never know if that’s his real name – reference “unnamed man” from same blog) J “I missed you on Sunday!” I laughed. “Yeah, I was busy…but I started reading that book you gave me.” (The Gospel of John) We chatted for a few minutes and both went on our way. “Thanks God!” I quietly whispered…as I considered…what are the chances in the entire city of Galway that I would run into him on my last day and be blessed with the knowledge that he’s reading the word of God…to form his own opinion of what it means to be a Christian…straight from the source. As I’ve come to learn…with God…chances are pretty good!
