Gathering Together with Jesus

Good morning 🌄

This morning’s word from Scripture…📖

Matthew 12:30.
…
“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.”
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Forty-one years ago…🤔
My home church experienced a major split…😭
…
Because of a certain scandal, many people were hurt.
In sadness and despair, they left the church…

In the midst of that great storm, I was thinking of leaving with some companions and seeking a place at a church we knew…😓
…
One day after worship, I told a member of the church leadership that I was planning to leave…😓

The leader looked so sad😢
…
And said this:

“Sunagawa-kun, so many people are leaving the church now…
Of course, I can't force you to stay…
Some people are even actively trying to get church members to leave…😨
…
I think those who scatter people away from the church are acting against Jesus…😖
I want to be someone who gathers together with Jesus…”

When I heard those words…
I made up my mind.
I will stay at this church❗️

I'm truly glad I made that decision.
The reason I have stayed connected to Jesus to this day is that one sentence spoken by the church leader back then❗️

Thankfully, the people of At Home Church are people who gather together with Jesus…and the Lord is at work among us.

Shalom.