"You Took My Parking Place At Church"
Submitted by Charlene Watson
(This should wake us up.)
(This should wake us up.)
One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, "I always park there! You took my place!"
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.
After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.
Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?"
The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye,
"I took your place!"
When you read this, say a prayer... That's all you have to do. This is powerful. If we share this will our family and friends...Maybe, just maybe, we can get the world to start thinking about who took our place...
really like this...my family moved a lot and accidentally sat in seats at churches that were unmarked, but reserved. makes it hard to keep trying...
ReplyDeleteI can understand. I've had the experience of having someone sit in my seat at church...and have to make myself remember that 1. my name is not on the seat...and 2. I am there to hear the message, not stake out territory...and 3. I should be welcoming to those who are visiting and/or looking for a church home.
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