A Chance Encounter At Burger King
(John Clayton wrapped up his series of lessons last night at
Madison. While some who have known and heard him for years said there was not much new information, it was never the less powerful. The thrust of his messages has been that Science and the Bible are not in conflict because they are both authored by God. He showed with convincing evidence the truth of that claim. )
I couldn’t argue with his point. I have said my piece here more than once about the priority of brick and mortar, and how we have misplaced priorities in that area. He was a little taken back though when I told him I worshipped there, but he still held his ground and I liked that about Darrel. I was able to bring a bit of balance to his concern as I shared some of the good that is done their, and that I too had my own concerns about brick and mortar.
My order came and I shook hands with Darrel and told him how much I enjoyed talking to him. I found my seat and began to eat. I was about half way through my burger when I saw Darrel headed my way. He sat down and we picked up our conversation where we left off. He told me he has moved in with his girl friend and her three kids because they needed a father figure in their lives. I asked him if he was originally from Madison and he said no, that he was from Germany. That was a bit strange since there was not a hint of an accent. I learned a lot about him as I just let him talk. Amazing how people will talk, if we just let them.
After a bit I ask Darrel a question. If you could do it all over again, what would you do? He said something to the effect that he would not marry, but would just try his best to live the life that Jesus lived and reach out to people like the homeless. He talked allot about the homeless. I then ask him a second question, "If you were going to start a church and wanted to avoid all the problems you see with churches today what would you do? He held up his hand as if it had a Bible in it and said I would preach just what’s in the Book and call people to be like Jesus.
Darrel’s break was soon over and he had to go back to work. I sat there and reflected a while on our conversation. I pictured Darrell and his little dysfunctional family coming to visit at Madison as he said they might. My heart ached because I know they would have to overcome monster obstacles because of the cultural differences. I thought of how many others there were in our area just like Darrel. They look at that huge building, the nice cars coming and going from services. The people all dressed in their Sunday best. While there is nothing wrong with all those things in and of themselves, they do purpose a mote so wide it keeps the Darrels in our world away. It was not our intention, but it is there none the less.
My encounter with Darrel just further confirms that we have to do something radically different if we are going to carry out the commission of our Lord. They are not going to cross the mote. We can offer them bridges like VBS, dramatic portrayals of Bible stories, but few will cross those bridges. If we don’t go to them in an unconventional way, they will not be reached for Jesus. Somehow we have to take the initiative to relate. Like Jesus we have to meet them where they are and in their world, not ours. We have to be open and alert to the Darrel’s that we come in contact with. We have to be good listeners. We need to ask non-threatening questions, and gently probe to look for areas we have in common, and then point them to Jesus.
I am probably going to eat at Burger King again tonight.
What book are you reading?
There are so many Darrel's out there that are hungry for something but I am afraid they will never find it in our multi million dollar buildings. (Comment this)
Carl (Comment this)
You certainly planted a seed with Darrell and he may just show up one day and look you up. I do pray this happens and in turn he will reach out to others as you did to him. God bless you in your walk. (Comment this)