Preaching From The Back Seat.htm

Preaching From The Back Seat.

Hi, I normally sit in the last row of the church, the row closest to the door. From this wonderful seat I have observed and heard the best of human endeavors and the eloquent words of sincere men that bear the good news. Then again I have heard the sweet words of the Holy Spirit speaking to me through a man who loves the Lord. However, those who attend do not realize the behind the scene effort the speaker gave to his message.

The pews are filled with men and women who glow from their walk with Jesus. Some raise their holy hands in praise, while others are more concerned over where everyone is. Some are there to be of service to their fellow man, and others want to direct you to the nearest altar to get yourself right with God. Some come because they want to be closer to God, while others think its the thing your suppose to do on Sunday morning. Some take advantage of every business opportunity, while some use Sunday school as an opportunity to tell you why God loves you and show that God is at work in their life. Some come because the world has beaten them to a pulp, Satan was working overtime on them and they need the refreshing that only can God give. And there are some that just plain don't know why they came or at least they can't explain why.

There are some that I see that muddle through the pages of God's word looking for Hezekiah 36:4. Some highlight passages or underline them, while others take notes and have little difficulty keeping up with the message. Some can't keep quiet, they either mumble an audible praise or shout Glory as they accept the good news. Some listen intently and others endure in somber reverence as they wait to go home. I've seen some shake, others grit their teeth and others bow their head in quiet slumber, taken it all in, and manage to be awake at the end of the service, rested to be sure.

I've seen the child that had the worse timing and interrupt the very thing you needed to hear. They run down the isle with an effortless ease, not realizing what they are doing that spoils the service for everyone else. I know its sad but, there are some that have attended church thirty years or more and do not know the way of the cross or what it means to be saved. But the worst that I have seen are those who don't care that Jesus died for them and really wants to give them a hope and a future.

Now, there are some I'm sure that think sitting in the back row of church has its merits. But I want you to know that I have seen the same things that God sees in his church. It is easier to see those that praise God, fumble to find the text, or see men and women tremble under the power of the Holy Spirit than see the church as God does. Sitting in the back row allows you to see what goes on in the church but also makes you wonder what God sees.

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