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“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?” – Matthew 5:45-47
The newspapers were scrambling for the first print. The camera crews and on-site reporters pushed through the crowds to shove a microphone in front of the eye-witness’ and ask the probing questions. You see, once again the city streets of New York were littered with debris and smoke. Except this time, no one appeared to have been in the building when the bomb went off. Either there was a malfunction in the timing device or the intent was only to cause fear in the hearts of those in central Manhattan. Regardless, the manhunt was on. The small bakery was run by a Christian man and wife, who had been on the news recently for refusing to make a wedding cake for a gay marriage.
It was the story of the day, and the next and the following. With plenty of video evidence from area security cameras, the individual was recognized and even named. Yet, he continued to evade the police in their attempts to find him. The city was on the lookout as time continued to slip by. Friday turned into Saturday and then Sunday morning rolled around.
As the Priest moved to begin the homily that Sunday morning, there was a noise coming from the pews near the back. A man, wearing a long beard, a turban and sandals, dirtied in his attire and appearance, stood and began walking down the center of the church. Those in the sanctuary began yelling obscenities and some even spit upon him. One large man along the aisle actually threw a punch and struck the man in the eye, which sent him tumbling into the parishioners on the other side of the aisle.
Regaining his balance he walked toward the front, amidst a large crowd now. He stopped as he neared the second row, where the couple who owned the bakery sat quietly. Looking down at them, through a swollen, bloodied eye, and a quivering lip, he said these simple words, “Please forgive me. I am so sorry for what I have done to you. I have spent the last week asking Allah to forgive me for my mistake with the timer, only to realize how inhumane and evil my actions really were.” He continued, “Then last night I had a dream, and Jesus stood at the end of my bed. His face was peaceful, not angry and He held out his hand in love. He told me that He had protected you from the explosion, and that taking another life was not required, for He alone had given His life that we may all return to paradise with Him.”
“I took His hand and stood to my feet before Him. My knees buckled and I fell to my face in reverence and submission. For the first time in my life I realized who my Lord really was. I am here to help you rebuild or whatever you need to get your store re-opened.” With that he stood and turned back to the Priest, and apologized for interrupting the service. The crowd had not diminished and still threw insults and condemnation at him as he began to leave the sanctuary. Men were stepping in front of him, ready to fight, someone had called the police and sirens could be heard outside. The man covered his head and continued to push his way through the angry mob.
The police came in the back of the church, saw the man and wrestled him to the ground. As they began to secure him with handcuffs, he looked up and saw a young girl walking towards him. The police stood him to his feet as she stepped near him. She reached out and embraced the man, squeezing him ever so tight, and said to him, “Mommy and Daddy say you are forgiven, and I want you to know Jesus loves you and so do we.” Just then her father stepped forward and asked the policeman to remove the handcuffs. After debating this point with the officer for a moment, the man said, “I am not pressing charges against this man."
The room filled with violent screaming and yelling. Anger came from every corner towards the bakery owner and the terrorist. Years of pent up anger and hatred poured out right there in the sanctuary that morning. As the police removed the handcuffs, the mob closed in and began pushing him and yelling at him, calling him unspeakable names. Then there was a tap on the microphone from the front of the sanctuary. The Priest spoke up as people began to slow down and listen. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Matthew 5:44. “We are not here to judge the righteous from the unrighteous. Do not let your anger prevent you from lovingly helping another soul enter the Kingdom of God today.”
The man fell to the ground amidst all of the people, as they started to dissipate. Looking around, it was only he and the little girl still standing there. She held out her hand and helped him up. Then she walked with him to the front and sat him next to her mother and father for the remainder of the service.
We are all confident that we know who belongs in heaven and who doesn’t. That’s not our job on this earth. When you see someone different from you walking towards you, do you engage with them in conversation, ignore them or confront them for their beliefs? I posit that if God is able to save me from my horrendous past and daily struggles, why wouldn’t He want to save this person as well. There are 7.2 billion people on this earth. Based on culture, religion, race, sex or political affiliation, many are very different than you. Of those that are different, that you cross paths with, it is likely that you will either ignore or get into a confrontation with 80% of them. How many souls are lost in heaven because we get in the way of God sharing His love with them? Just love them like Jesus loves you and let God work to remove the scales from their eyes. I promise, if they see Jesus through your actions, it will speak loud enough and you won't need to confront them.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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