Do we???

Do We Love Jesus?

"Oh, how I love Jesus"
Music filling the air!
Getting closer to the church
So anxious to enter there!

Looking up at the steeple
Pointing to Heaven above
Hearing angelic voices
This is where I could find love!

In need of assurance
Of God's absolute Grace
I walked into the building
Awesome! I was amazed!

This is truly God's House
Surely I'll find Him here
The music, so inspiring
The pastor, so sincere.

I entered the santuary
The people turned and stared
With obvious disapproval . . .
No compassion or care.

Their expressions confused me
With each one, my heart weighed more.
Why the cruel, cold gazes
Don't they claim to love the Lord?

"Let's welcome those in our midst
Who are visiting here today . . .
Shake hands with your neighbor
Tell them for them you'll pray".

As the people passed by me
Whispering to the rest,
No one took my hand in theirs
By me they were not impressed.

But then, one man approached me
I gave him a heartfelt smile.
He would share the love of God . . .
Let me know I am worthwhile!

A smile he didn't return
Instead a disgruntled sneer
Leaned over to me and said,
"Your kind is not welcome here".

I turned to walk away
My heart was sinking much lower,
What did he mean by that . . .
My clothing, my hair, my color?

But, don't they love Jesus?
Their singing is heard outside . . .
"Love for all" is preached here,
And, "for all Jesus died".

As I sat and cried and thought
How can I truly find the Lord?
Not fit to sit in His House
Not good enough to hear His Word . . .

I felt someone touch my arm
I turned and He stood before me
He said, "You are not alone",
Speaking so compassionately.

"Like you, I'm no longer welcome
To enter into this place . . .
About Me they have forgotten
My mercy, My love, My grace . . .

For Me you have been searching,
By them you were turned away,
They know not what they do . . .
You have found the Lord today".

"Oh, how I love Jesus"
The music again is heard.
Meaningless words to them
But, my heart was stirred!

I am walking with Jesus
Away from their haughtiness,
The Lord has found me today
I am clothed in His righteousness!

Susan Trafford Martin
written March 2001