Who Will Tell Them?

Recently I saw a photo entitled “Turning Point” taken by photographer Keith Trepanier. It was of a man outside in the town of Panajachel kneeling against the closed large doors of a church building. The photo stirred my heart and inspired me to write the following. I cannot help but feel that God is speaking to me directly about a decision I became faced with today that I have been in prayer for since seeking guidance. I believe through these words that He gave me He has also provided me the answer I have been seeking and the ministry opportunity that I need to follow.

Who will tell them?

There are people outside the church, just beyond the doors, seeking answers to their lives. Maybe even purpose. Looking for hope. Desperate for love. Thirsting for acceptance. But they are afraid to go inside. Unwilling or unable to bring themselves to go beyond the door. Why? What have they seen before when they have ventured beyond other doors in life? Judging looks…rejection…cruel words…seats of shame…judgments of guilt? Yet God welcomes all and offers grace. His door is open to all. It is welcome to all. Who will tell them?

Why do they not come in on their own? Is it because we have blurred with the world so much that one cannot tell which side of the door they are on; whether they are in the church or of the world? Are we holy as in “set apart from the world” or are we just set apart. Far apart. From certain people that don’t look, act, or think as we feel they should. How do they look from God’s perspective? His eyes see them through the reflection of the cross. He looks with adoration. He bids all to come inside. Yet they wait. Maybe they just don’t know. Who will tell them?

Do they know what possibilities are prepared and lay waiting beyond their current view? The plans and future God is waiting to fulfill in and through the willing heart? What are they looking for or seeing? Do they see with their eyes a church of stone and mortar or an unseen church built with blood and tears that is freely entered through the faith of a cross and stands strong and faithful beyond all time? Do they know the truth? Who will tell them?

Just beyond the door lies broken lives, crumbled dreams, thoughts filled with the soot of depression. Pain, guilt, grief, shame, anger, sadness, and illusions of grandeur. Have you noticed them there? Do you see them as you pass by every day? God sees them. He yearns for them to walk through that door. He stands vigil and waits ready at a moments notice to embrace them. Do they know? Who will tell them?