It was supposed to be a lovely, leisurely Saturday morning. A fruitful stroll through the local farmer’s market, followed by lunch at our favorite cafe and a drive through the hills to a neighboring train-centric town. Something for everyone.
We could tell it wasn’t a completely typical morning downtown from the crowded parking area, but it was the shouting that seemed really out of place. (Rumor has it the film “Pleasantville” is based on this town; only smiles and friendly exchanges allowed!)
I was chagrined to see the commotion was coming from people wearing Bible verses on their shirts and carrying signs promising eternal damnation to just about everyone.
There was one guy going at it in the center of the cordoned-off street, and others conducting smaller ‘conversations’ on scattered corners. One of those was engaged with a small group—one guy on a bike in particular.
As we passed, I heard the cyclist ask, “Why do you keep interrupting me? Why won’t you let me finish?”
“Because I’m the preacher,” came the reply as he turned away from the man who was obviously trying to have a reasonable discussion.
Apparently, ‘reasonable’ wasn’t on the agenda for the day.
We did our shopping, gratefully moving down the street and further from the verbal assault that labeled virtually every passerby as a “hypocrite” or worse.
The sad thing to me is that they were trying to preach a message of love in a voice of hate. Whether it was the preacher shouting to the entire street, or one guy engaged in a discourse with a patient passing cyclist, their demeanor contradicted their message.
As we made our way back toward our chosen lunch spot, my son asked, “Why is everyone yelling about Jesus?”
I honestly didn’t know what to say, but it was too loud to hear me anyway. “I’m never going to listen to that,” he said as we entered the cafe.
I couldn’t help but think if those of us who know the Jesus of whom they shout don’t care to be shouted at about it, how much less will those who don’t ‘get it’ want to listen?
Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:32-33
I wonder if anyone is ever actually drawn to their Heavenly Father by the passionate, yet harsh, unkind, haughty voices of His children?
Genny Heikka
