Brokenhearted (Part 1)

I realize what is burning on my heart may be perceived as a rant, but I assure you, it is not. I’m not angry, I’m brokenhearted over a situation I observed. I had just found my seat after securing a cup of coffee and began to focus on accomplishing what was before me. Not too far from me was a group of women who were talking and laughing pretty loud. The language was as foul and offensive as the subject matter they were discussing. While this was happening two other women walk past them sneering and gasping showing clear agitation towards them. The two offended women sat close enough to me that their conversation could be heard. They spoke about how horrid those women were, how trashy and in need of help each one was. How thankful they were that their kids weren’t there to hear that. Then they proceeded to talk about their life group and church and how God was teaching them so much. Friends, my heart broke right then. All I could think was, do they know the same Jesus I do? Mark 2:17 “When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Jesus would’ve pulled up a chair with the women who were offending everyone in earshot. He would’ve taken that situation as an invitation not an offense. He would not have been intimidated and felt the need to protect himself from corruption. In fact, he would’ve run right into that situation so the gospel could collide with people he so desperately loved. He would’ve deconstructed their view of painful experiences labeled with his name and he would’ve introduced them to relationship rather than religion. He would’ve found the way to their heart. He would’ve unfolded the gospel before they even realized and then invited them over for dinner and more discussion.

Pastor Natalie Snider