“’For that reason, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, but continually proclaimed to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and then all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they are to repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance. For these reasons some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to murder me. So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place, as to whether the Christ was to suffer, and whether, as first from the resurrection of the dead, He would proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.’ While Paul was stating these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you insane.’ But Paul said, ‘I am not insane, most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with truthful and rational words. For the king [knows about these matters, and I also speak to him with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.’ Agrippa replied to Paul, ‘In a short time you are going to persuade me to make a Christian of myself.’ And Paul said, ‘I would [wish to God that even in a short or long time not only you, but also all who hear me this day would become such as I myself am, except for these chains.’” (Acts 26:19-29 NASB)
It’s Saturday morning, so I am almost certain you have time to read this meditation, inspired by the verses above.
An observant man was riding on a church bus that traveling on a treacherous and narrow country road. Several church members lived in a rural area and their houses were not adjacent to each other, not side by side as they are in the neighborhood you live.
Adding to the conditions of the country road, a tremendous storm presented a trilogy of factors. The winds were blowing with great force on a background that consisted of a darkened, twisting, agitated sky. The waves of rain were accompanied by an unwanted howling. The conditions were deplorable, and the hard rain seemed to be dashing and washing away everything. Yet, in spite of the weather, the bus driver navigated his way over the narrow road, determined to reach his destination. Those on this bus, church folks, felt safe as the driver maneuvered the bus with great skill. Surely, goodness and mercy were behind him. With divine help, his skill was greater than the storm and his determination was superb in the midst of the surging weather conditions.
Staying true to his route, the bus driver came to a place where he picked up two individuals who were new to the area and had not been to church. Both of them were clothed in rain gear and partially covered from the elements by umbrellas that were being swayed and upended by the wind. They got on the bus quickly and seemed to be relieved or better stated, rescued. There were a few seats on the bus, but the seated passengers, perhaps tired from the journey or for some unknown reason, were not inviting the two new riders to take a seat. In fact, regretfully some, not all of the seated passengers, were denying the two passengers the extra seats. How unusual for church folks, right?
But not everyone was uninviting and what I would call unkind. Two of the church folks, acknowledging that there was still room, offered them places to sit. One of them said loudly so that all the passengers could hear them, “There is Room on the Bus!”
There is a lesson in this story. Think about it. In our places of worship, we have referred to the church as the “Gospel Train,” singing, “The gospel train is coming… You better get on board little children for there is room for many a more.” Using another analogy, we have often referred to the church as the “Old Ship of Zion.” Again, we sang the accompany words, “Tis the Old Ship of Zion! She has landed many a thousand and can land as many more.” The best lyrics were, “King Jesus is the Captain.” By the way, He still is the Captain!
In the story, it was not about a gospel train and not about an old ship, just a church bus. The bus presents us with was an opportunity to emphasize evangelism. There is room on the bus in the story! There is room in the church in our days! There is room in the kingdom
Paul could have found a good reason not to attempt to persuade Agrippa through his preaching of Christ’s suffering and resurrection. But instead, the Apostle fulfilled his role as a witness for the Lord. He fulfilled his role to make disciples. He fulfilled his role to try and help one who was lost to come into the marvelous light. He fulfilled his role to reach the world, Jew or Gentile.
The point is this, my friend, whether you call it a train, a ship, or a bus: There is room in the kingdom for somebody who is not in the place of safety. Let’s not be like the people on the bus who were uninviting but let us be like the Apostle Paul. The Lord desires all to be saved, Be blessed!
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King