“PASTOR, DON’T CARRY HIM”

In our former location, we had a neighbour who sold alcohol in a makeshift wooden structure. In the early days of ministry, it was obvious she did not want us as a neighbour. She would put on her grinding machine on a Sunday morning and make really loud noises. There were times she would start cooking and the aroma of locust beans would permeate the entire service. It was a tough one. We endured all sorts. 

One day, I drove into the office and her little grandson who had been playing on the bare ground ran towards me. He was really dirty. I did not hesitate to carry him. As I did, the grandma said, “He is dirty. Pastor, don’t carry him.” I smiled, looked at her and said “I was dirtier than this when Jesus carried me ma.”

Beloved, we use every opportunity to share the gospel. 

What is the joy today? Even though we have left that location, she comes to drop that little boy in the church with us every weekend now. Every time I see him, I remember that story and what love can do! 

Friends, no matter how dirty we are, the grace of God beckons on us. Do not let the devil lie to you that you have to distance yourself from God because you are messed up. Do not accept his whisper that you are already so terrible and no one wants to accept you. That is the strategy to keep you in his trap. 

This is the Word of the Lord to you: 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 NIV

If he died for you while you were still a sinner, it means that he loves you more than he hates your sin. Leverage that love for a new beginning. Go to him for restoration. He genuinely cares about you. 

There is an image of how profound the love of a shepherd is for a sheep. The prophet Amos said that a shepherd will still rescue a sheep even if all he finds are two feet and a piece of an ear. Just like the shepherd, God would come after you to pull a willing soul out of the hands of the devil. 

This is what the Lord says: “As a shepherd rescues from the lion’s mouth only two leg bones or a piece of an ear, so will the Israelites living in Samaria be rescued, with only the head of a bed and a piece of fabric from a couch.”

Amos 3:12 NIV

Listen, God has not written you off. Men may sigh and give up but not God. He is the good shepherd. He has come for you. Let him carry you in his strong arms of love and grace. Do not shut down. Do not give up. He cares indeed. 

It does not matter how old you are: 

Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you.

Isaiah 46:4 AMPC

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa.