Brotherly Love

Behold, I stand at the door and knock:
if any man hear my voice, and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him,
and he with Me. 
Revelation 3:20

Yesterday I was very fortunate. My chaplain is on another vacation. But before he left, he placed Philip and I in charge of overseeing the worship service...

However, in his absence we were privileged to have visiting with us four men who are members of New York City's Time Square Church. Interestingly, three of the four are former inmates, all of whom have long since completed all their parole requirements, while the fourth is an unemployed office worker. Yet as lay persons who lack fancy ministerial titles, they were able to give us the Word of God with clarity, simplicity, and with hearts of obvious sincerity.

And this, in my opinion, is what matters the most. It's all about demonstrating genuine care and concern for the brethren. Their willingness to travel back and forth by car from New York City, which is about a two and a half hour trip each way, and on a weekend, no less, is proof enough of their love for the men who are confined here. Not to mention, as well, the expenses for gas and tolls which comes out of their own pockets.

Truly this is brotherly love in action. And we, being prison inmates, have nothing to give them in return but our thanks mingled with lots of hugs. Furthermore, I am confident that these lay ministers will one day stand before He who knocks on the doors of hearts, and each will receive a generous reward.

D.B.