On Tuesday morning, September 11th, 2001 I was sitting in my office at First Baptist Church, New Jersey. We were located some 14 miles from the World Trade Center Twin Towers, better known today as "ground zero". It was a crisp, clear morning with many ministry plans for the coming weeks on my desk. But, when the phone rang, the fact that I was unprepared for that news would be an understatement. The hours and days that followed were surreal.
Within our immediate congregation one member worked in the north tower and survived, exiting just shy of the south tower being struck by the second plane. He caught the last train out of the city. Other members of our community had to walk across the bridges to escape the devastation. A good number of other friends and neighbors never made it back home. The week unfolded day by day with lists of the unaccounted for, along with multiple prayer sessions. The simple fact was... People needed the Lord.
As I look back, Sunday morning, September 16, 2001 was the most clear and concise service in which I have ever preached. I stood before an entire congregation of faces marked with grief, fear, brokenness, and confusion. Some people didn't even regularly attend our church, or any church. We were gathered that morning, while the fires still burned beneath the wreckage, with singular purpose - to seek the grace, mercy and consulation from of our heavenly Father... People needed the Lord.
My friend, we share the same divine calling... We are physicians of the soul... Shepherds of the lost lambs... Healers of the brokenhearted... Bearers of light for those walking in darkness. Whenever we come to the pulpit, counseling room, hospital bedside, or graveside, we truly stand on holy ground. All agendas, programs, or projects must fade into the background in the face of eternity. Our clear and concise ministry should always be this ... People need the Lord.
Sunday morning will come, and your congregation will arrive with many who have experienced private wreckage, fires still burning, or hopes unaccounted for... Give them what they need... Give them the Lord!
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." ~ Psalm 147:3
~ PJVS
No comments:
Post a Comment