The last shall be first

A few days ago while walking on the treadmill I had a thought pop into my mind. I love that when this happens because then I can't take credit for that nugget of wisdom.

Here is what popped into my mind, "The road in life seems to be getting narrower, its getting steeper, and there seems to be fewer Pilgrims on it."

These verses then followed; Mathew 7:14, "The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few find it." Proverbs 15:24, "The path of life leads upward for the wise, they leave the grave behind."

My blog last week told of a learning experience that Ruth and I had on the Island of Trinidad during the winter of 1997.

The following experience happened that same winter and was one of my favorite experiences of all on our travels.

While working on a new church building for a congregation that winter on Trinidad, one of the church members who lived in the capitol city told me of a friend of his who was the pastor of a church in a rough section of the city.

He told me that white folks usually don't go there and certainly not after dark.

The pastor friend sent word that he would like me to come and speak to his church on a Sunday evening.

I wasn't too excited about the opportunity at first, but after several pleadings, I consented.

I told him that I would come if I was escorted by some big, really big guys since the church was about a half mile walk from the bus depot. I also told him that I wouldn't bring Ruth with me.

The date was set and I arrived at the church just fine thanks to a couple of big black brothers walking by my side.

I sat near the back of the church during the worship portion of the service.

About 15 minutes into the service a tall beautiful black woman came in and sat along side of me. After looking at her and the way that she was dressed, she had on a bright red dress that didn't leave much to one's imagination, I asked the Lord, "Is she what I think she is?" He spoke to me and said, "Yes, she is a prostitute." "This should be interesting, I have never had a prostitute in one of my meetings before, that I knew about."

Eventually it was my turn to speak and I delivered a strong message on the lack of integrity in the church plus the fact that God wants to purge falsehood from his church.

The Lord must have been convicting people because I saw some heads hanging, including the pastor's.

Upon conclusion of the message the pastor asked if anyone wanted to come foreword and repent of their lack of integrity.

I then walked to the back of the church and was impressed to step out of the side door so I could pray for those inside.

It wasn't more than a few minutes when who should walk out the door and stand next to me but my seatmate, the prostitute.

I thanked the Lord for sending her out to me and then I struck up a conversation with her and asked if she was a Christian. "NO," was her answer.

I then said something that took her by surprise. I said, "Madame, you are probably the most honest person in this church tonight."

She said, "Why do you say that?" I answered her, "Because you are one who is not pretending to be something that you are not and you know the spiritual condition of your heart."

After explaining what it means and what it takes to be a Christian I asked her if she would like me to pray for her. She gladly consented.

Then I did something that may seem strange. I took both of her hands in mine and asked the Lord to show how much he loves her and to show her his kindness and goodness to her.

The Bible says in Romans 2:4, "The goodness of God leads to repentance."

After I finished praying for her I gave her a big hug. I believe that the Lord touched her heart because she thanked me with tears running down her cheeks. 

I have a hope that one day as I am walking down the golden streets of Heaven she will run up to me and say, "Jim, do you remember me?" I will answer with, "Praise the Lord, I sure do, tell me your story."

In Mathew 21, Jesus told a bunch of church leaders who were questioning him that the tax collectors and prostitutes (the two lowest bottom feeders according to the church leaders) would enter the Kingdom before the leaders of the church because they knew the condition of their hearts.

There will be no double minded Pilgrims walking that steep narrow path because their eyes are always looking ahead to the goal.

Next week's title will be a warning from Jesus, "Remember Lot's wife."