Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: At the Pulpit (11/15/07)
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TITLE: At The Pulpit (i) | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rick Doan
11/18/07 -
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At the pulpit…I’ve spent many hours behind the lectern, on the platform, at the helm, the wheel, steering the boat or whatever phrase you choose.
The pulpit is one of the most astounding places you will stand in your life. Whether the congregation be large or small, the vast array of faces, emotions, though processes and wrestling with decisions that you see is impressive yet astounding. I stand here now, at the pulpit.
“What am I going to eat for lunch?” This is one of the more common questions I see people ask themselves when I’m at the pulpit. “Is he preaching at me?” “I’m so sleeeeepy…” Yes, at the pulpit you see all kinds of things. Sometimes the greatest emotional struggles are viewed from there. The hurts of life, the pains of divorce, the effects of sin are all visible. Yet, the joy that a changed life reflects, the faces of those redeemed, the unmistakable peace that only Christ can bring…all visible as well. The differences are remarkable, yet there becomes a familiarity between the two. You can only see this when you are at the pulpit.
I’m preaching. I’m a fevered pitch, delivering the Word with the boldness and weightiness. Only God can have me in this moment, my thoughts His, my words not my own. Yet there are those who seem detached, not listening, present in body perhaps but senses, thoughts and emotions are definitely elsewhere. The very words that may save their souls and change their lives are discarded as the mere ramblings of a fanatic person.
The words become un-applicable. They don’t believe it’s them, even though the description fits exactly where they are. Frustrating sometimes…being at the pulpit.
Sometimes I wonder why I’m here, if I’m effective. Sometimes I wonder if I really belong…at the pulpit.
I’m making the altar call…expecting only a few faithful to come. What’s this? Those who seem detached are the first to come, tears streaming, the effects of the Word obviously having sunk in. I’m dumbfounded. Others follow, the Word having spoken to their heart. They are not coming because of me, but because of Him. The Word of God has moved upon them, set a mirror in front of them, exposing their need. They are gathered now, crying out to God with hands raised, yielding to His power. This is a view that I will never tire of. A view you can only see properly when you are at the pulpit.
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