“Pastor, I am in the hospital. I am very sick,” said the man.
“I will try to come and pray for you,” I said. He replied he would greatly appreciate it.
Sure enough I was there the next day. Looking up from his bed the man told me of his need of God’s touch. If I am not mistaken, we discussed the possibility of me having a Bible study with him like I had done some years back, and he was agreeable to the thought. He even made comment about coming back to church. After chatting more, reading the Bible, and praying with him, I departed.
A few days later, after he was released from the hospital, he called. “I don’t want any Bible studies and I won’t be coming to your church. We don’t see eye to eye on some things.”
Of course we don’t see eye to eye now, for he is no longer flat on his back. This is so indicative of the spiritual condition of many who are not surrendered to Christ. The only time they see eye to eye with God is when they are “flat on their backs” and they must look up.
That is sad, because in His love and mercy God wants us to see eye to eye with Him. All one has to do is to read the first three chapters of Genesis and they will see that God desired close fellowship with man. However, the day man sinned is when we stopped seeing eye to eye with God (Genesis 3:8): “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.”
Yet, in that same chapter we read that God planned provision for redemption from our downfall (v.15). Through the seed of the woman would come the Savior, that Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), once again making possible fellowship with God. Once Christ comes in and we permit Him to shape our entire being, by His Holy Spirit He transforms our mind (Romans 12:1-2) so there is not only understanding of God on our part, but obedience to his ways.
Note:
Unless the context deems otherwise, when I use the terms “men” or “he,” I use them in the general sense of all people regardless of gender.
I did face many refuses when I ask people to join Bible Study. They said they don’t like activity like this. We must keep praying for them though.
Isn’t amazing how some people use “not seeing eye to eye” as an excuse to skip out on church or Bible study. There are many Christians and even entire denominations that, if truth be told, I probably don’t agree with 100% on every tiny doctrinal detail … heck I’m sure there are some even in my own church! There are only a handful of issues however that are deal breakers for me. Does a person believe in the Trinity? Christ? The inspired nature of Scripture? If the nature of my quibble with a person doesn’t involve major doctinal issues, I won’t hesitate to worship with them.
Nice article Pete.
Very inspirational as usual. thanks.
Interesting good story.
good share
thoughfull experience…inspiring too…
This is a praiseworthy article. Reading the Bible is something that many Christians no longer do. A timely reminder for everyone.
The human condition. People cry out for God when they’re in trouble, sick and afraid, but when all is well they don’t need Him. Thanks for sharing this story.
This is very true , sometimes unless a person like u said is not facing troubles , he fails to acknowledge our saviour SO SAD! .thanks!
very interesting, thanks