In his search for truth, Mahatma Gandhi read the four Gospels. He liked the teachings of Christ so much he was seriously considering becoming a Christian. So, he decided to attend a church service. As he came up the steps of the large church he had chosen to visit, an elder of the church stepped over and blocked the door. In a condescending voice, he told Gandhi that he was not welcome, and he must leave. Later in his life, Gandhi shared this event with a noted Christian missionary telling him, “If it weren’t for Christians, I’d be a Christian.” Imagine if this man had not hindered Gandhi from entering the church and he had received Christ as his Savior, how much different the Hindu world might be today.
This is a tragic story, but not the first time people have blocked the way to Jesus. Luke records the account of Zaccheus the tax collector trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd (Luke 19:3). Four men carried a paralyzed man to where Jesus was healing people. However, they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd (Mark 2:4). Jesus was travelling through Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd following. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus . . . was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many were sternly telling him to be quiet (Mark 10:46-48).
After 2000 years, people are still blocking others from coming to Jesus. I have observed through the years that there are even people in the church who will hinder believers from advancing in God’s work. You would think all Christians would rejoice in the blessings of others and their spiritual growth, and many do. But every church has those who do not want anyone getting closer to Jesus than they ‘think’ that they are. I knew a Christian lady who became zealous for the LORD and used every opportunity to minister for Him. Then the criticism started from those who resented her for all she was doing and the attention she was getting. This lady became so discouraged; she stopped, took a seat, and only attended services. Then everyone was happy. I imagine Satan was also happy.
The three mentioned above did not let the crowd stop them. Zaccheus was determined. This may not have been the first time he had tried. Jesus had gone through Jericho many previous times. However, this time, Zaccheus found a tree from where he could see Jesus. Jesus also saw him. Undeterred, the four men carrying the paralyzed man tore open the roof and lowered the man into Jesus’ presence. Blind Bartimaeus ignored the rebukes of the crowd and pushed his way through until he came to Jesus. These examples, overcame those blocking them. Yet, I have to wonder how many stories we do not read of those that the crowd blocked, and they just gave up. Some of you reading this may have been unable to get as close to Jesus as you want or been hindered in your advancement in His work because others have stopped you.
Why would Christians do this? We must remember everyone still has that old sinful nature wanting to take control again and it is a selfish nature, probably the major reason people hinder others. They do not want others looking more spiritual than they perceive themselves. People feel threatened when you are doing more in the kingdom than they are doing. Anyone in obedience to the Word will move away from tradition. This makes the traditionalist uncomfortable. Tradition rewards conformity and is fearful of innovation. Even though the traditional path may not lead to growth for the Kingdom of God, it is safe.
So the questions for us—are we as close to Jesus as He wants us to be? Are we effectively accomplishing the ministry He has assigned us to do? Or, is the crowd hindering us from getting through? The good news is Jesus is the Way. Find a tree to climb; dig up the roof if necessary; or push your way through. As I wrote this, I remembered preaching a conference about 200 miles from our home in Zambia. After I spoke one Sunday morning, my family and I had to leave. It was normal for ushers to close all the doors and windows during prayer with no one entering or leaving. I respected this reverence, but this particular day, I had to leave. As we approached the exit a young man a foot shorter than me, and a hundred pounds lighter, was blocking door. Whispering, I explained our situation, but he refused to move. I gently took him by the arms, lifted him off the floor, placed him to one side, and departed for home. I see this happening in the spiritual realm; we have to move whatever is blocking us or just push our way through.
Sustaining Word for the Week:
Do not give up. If the crowd is blocking your way, be determined because Jesus will provide a way.