This article was written by Mrs. Claudia Barba, a pastor’s wife. I was so touched by it, that I asked for permission to post it on my blog and she agreed. Enjoy the encouragement!
I think I know what somebody said . . …
. . . when the palsied man was lowered through the roof to be healed: “We ain’t never done it that way before.”
. . . while picking up 12 baskets of leftovers after the 5000 were fed: “What a mess!”
. . . when Jesus gathered little children into His arms: “Don’t you have more important things to do?”
. . . when He called for self-denial and cross-bearing: “Sorry—that’s not my style.”
. . . when He chose the unlearned and ignorant to be His disciples: “They’re not in our target demographic.”
. . . when they heard Jesus was a Nazarene: “He’s from the wrong side of the tracks.”
. . . when He announced that the last would be first: “That’s not fair.”
. . . when He honored a widow with only two mites and sent a rich young ruler away sorrowful: “He really ought to cultivate friendships with wealthy donors.”
. . . when Jesus allowed a woman to anoint His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair: “Why can’t He be more dignified?”
. . . when He taught by telling stories: “His preaching is shallow.”
. . . when He talked with the woman at the well, when He ate with publicans and sinners, when the common people heard Him gladly: “He attracts riffraff.”
. . . when Jesus took only Peter, James, and John up the mountain of transfiguration: “He’s playing favorites.”
. . . when He accepted worship and forgave sins: “Who does He think He is? God?”
. . . when He was crucified: “What a failure.”
And if you and your husband have been hearing similar words, I think I know what Jesus is saying to you: “Well done, good and faithful servants; you’re becoming more like Me!”
What a wonderful form of encouragement through a reminder of what criticism can really mean!