Jeff's Ride to Church

Jeff is a young man who lives here in town at a care facility for people with disabilities, certainly less than a desirable place to call home. I have known Jeff since he first came approximately four years ago. I had not seen Jeff for about two months. At that time he told me that recently he was walking toward downtown. A man stopped and offered him a ride. When he learned where Jeff lives and that he has no means of transportation he offered to pick him up the coming Sunday and take him to his church, the First United Methodist Church in town.

Jeff is a Christian and happily accepted the man's invitation. The next week I saw him and he told me that he had gone with the man to Sunday School and worship. He was looking forward to going regularly since the man had graciouly offered to pick him up.

This morning Peggy and I went to the 8:30 worship service at the Methodist Church as our services had to be canceled due to the snow and ice. Recently, I had not thought of Jeff very often and didn't know if he was still going to the Methodist Church. To my surprise Jeff was seated two pews in front of us.

When the service ended I did not get to talk with Jeff, but I was thrilled to know that he was there. I do not know the name of the man who picks Jeff up for church. Neither do I know where he lives. However, I think this man is a serious Christian. He is willing to bring someone to church who doesn't have a ride. He believes that every person is important to God. He believes that all are welcome in the Lord's house on Sunday. In fact, he takes seriously Jesus' command to go into the highways and invite them to come in. I thought about Jesus' commendation, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these...ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40). If I properly interpret what Jesus said, this man is, in effect, taking Jesus to church when he takes Jeff.

Wouldn't it be great if all church members would take Jesus to church every Sunday by bringing someone else? Couldn't we expect to see great things happen if we obeyed our Lord? Souls would be saved, lives would be changed, God's Kingdom would be enhanced and expanded. Churches would be strengthened. The Lord Jesus Christ would be pleased.

I commend the man at First United Methodist Church for his obedience to the Lord and the example that he sets for others and the blessings he brings to Jeff. May his tribe increase!