I Saw Jesus

Matthew 25:34-36
Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me."

Special night at VRC last Saturday.
Didn't plan for it to be special, It just kind of happened.
Didn't have anything to do with me, it was in the heart of those who have become the core leaders of our meeting.
What was special about it?
I saw Jesus Saturday night.
Oh, not the Jesus you see pictures of in books and on the Internet. Not the Jesus you see portrayed on television.
I saw Jesus.

He came in the form of a person who was moved to give blankets and jackets to a couple of men who came to the meeting.
They were sleeping out under a bridge nearby downtown. This person saw a need and just happened to have the means to take care of it. Jesus gave out those blankets and jackets.

I saw Jesus in another person who gave money to help prepare food bags that we keep at the church. Being a downtown church, we get a lot of people come by looking for help with food.Now there can be a new supply of food made available for those in need.

I heard the voice of Jesus as a couple asked me about what was available where someone who was homeless could sleep for the night. There was genuine concern that Gadsden didn't really have much available as a resource to help those in need. I saw Jesus.

I saw Jesus as a man was prayed for during ministry time. He has severe arthritis in his hands. Prayed was given....the man began to move his fingers and hands and proclaimed that the pain was gone. I saw Jesus.

I saw Jesus in that room last Saturday as He embraced those no one else would. There were hugs and handshakes all around. There were smiles and coffee given out. And for a brief moment, I heard laughter from those who had not laughed in a long time. I saw Jesus.

And the thing I am most proud of was the way the people of VRC acted on their own without me having to direct or instruct in any shape, form or fashion. They saw a need, listened to the Holy Spirit, and then did what they heard. That was the incredible part in all of this. I didn't have to tell anyone to do anything. They truly were the body of Christ last Saturday evening.

Week before last, during our worship time, God spoke to me and said that, "Change was coming..embrace it!". I saw that change on Saturday night. I saw it in the worship...I saw it in the interaction of all those present...and I saw it in the fellowship afterwards. I know that these actions of those who attend VRC on a regular basis are not something that is done once a week when we all show up for the meeting. I know that they will continue this week, as other needs are seen. What I witnessed in that room on Saturday night was exactly what John Wimber meant when he said, "Everyone Gets To Play!".

God on you...
mb