Craig Clouston

Where Are All The Heathens?!

June 26

He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner’.

Luke 19:7

Rich and Laura had taken Laura’s visiting sister, Carlene, with them for a cookout at a friend’s lakefront home. On the way they made a couple stops to introduce Carlene to some friends who couldn’t make the event. All stops made, they headed for the cookout, where they introduced Carlene to the rest of their friends. The evening was friendly and informal. Everyone, including Carlene, had a wonderful time, and the evening broke up around 11:30.

Although no mention had been made, all of Rich and Laura’s friends were Christians. Knowing Carlene was agnostic, they had prayed for her over the past several years, asking God to reveal Himself to her.

The three all said their goodnights and headed home. Once in the car conversation centered on how great the night was, and what a good time they’d each had. Carlene asked a few pointed questions, setting the stage in preparation of putting to words the one question that had been nagging her all night. “So, Laura, where were all the heathens? I didn’t see a single one tonight.”

Laura, not missing a beat, speaking with mock solemnity, replied, “Why, Carlen, that’s why we brought you!”

†

Only family can get away with such shrouded humor! Laura would have bristled to hear anyone else make that statement to her sister.

But what of Carlene’s question? Where are all the heathens? Once saved, we tend to forget where and what we were when Jesus Christ reached into our hearts and set us free. Although He did it for us, His hope is that it wouldn’t end there.

Like those judging Zacchaeus, some Christians travel in orbits that encircle Jesus Christ but are somehow appalled to consider rubbing shoulders with ‘real sinners’.

Jesus spent time in sinner’s homes because He had good reason—they needed cleansed of their sin. We needed cleansed!

Having received such a gift, how can we not share it with those who really need His message of love, grace, and forgiveness: heathens.

Prayer

“Show me a sinner, like me, Lord, who You want me to share my life with. Then give me strength and the right words to speak, through Your Holy Spirit, that will lead them to You. Amen.”