You are Not Necessary

My church doesn’t need me.

Sunday morning. I was on my way to church. I stepped out of my front door.

And then I stopped.

Something gave in my chest, and pain exploded along the left side of my torso. I couldn’t move, it hurt so much. I couldn’t breathe without whimpering.

Of all the mornings to have a cardiac event.

Couldn’t this have waited until after worship? It’s not like there’s another day. I had things to do! I was supposed to lead worship! What was the church going to do without me?

There tadalafil online in uk are many couples who have even faced a divorce situation as well. A lockout situation could occur at any hour of bulk buy viagra day, so most recognized service provider facilitates 24*7 services. This medicine can be used by men look at these guys order cialis on line of different ages. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to perform an erection and maintain stiffness for viagra brand online the complete love act.

Yes, these were my actual thoughts as it appeared I was having a heart attack or some other sort of, you know, ouchy-type-thing.

As my wife sped me to the emergency room, I stewed. I wasn’t scared about what would happen to me. I wasn’t even worried about my family. What was going to happen this morning at church?

So as we went, gritting my teeth in pain, I texted an elder. Told him why I wouldn’t be in church. Let him know the sermon was on the pulpit, or he could call another local congregation to see if they might be able to spare a pastor to lead worship.

We got to the emergency room. You know, I think this is the first time I’ve ever not had to wait to be seen by a doctor? The medical staff were calm, professional, and friendly.

My elder elected to read the sermon. He texted back that he was praying for me.

He was going to do it himself? Was he mad?

Oh. They’re drawing blood. Okay, sure, all good.

And the morning passed. The medical staff quickly ascertained I wasn’t having a cardiac episode but suffered from a lung infection. Still serious, but not nearly so life-threatening.

And my congregation worshiped without me.

They didn’t need me.

On one hand, it was a huge relief. It meant I didn’t need to worry about them as the doctors did what they needed to do with me. I was freed to be able to concentrate on what I needed to focus on at the moment.

On the other hand, well, the church didn’t need me. I guess I’m not that important then, huh?

After worship, texts and Facebook messages started coming in. Members showing their concern. Letting me know they were praying. Offering help to my family. Did we need someone to come get the kids?

And the truth again was taught to me: I’m not necessary. And what a glorious, glorious thing that is.

God’s truth was declared to his people without me. On Sunday, the people confessed their sins. They were assured of forgiveness, won for them at the cross. They worshiped in response. God’s Word strengthened their faith. They encouraged one another. They prayed for me.

And they didn’t need me for any of that. God did the work for them.

It’s not me. I’m not the necessary one here. Jesus is. In my pride, I am constantly threatened to think it’s about me. But it’s not.

It’s all about Jesus. He is the one who has faced every temptation and won. He is the one who died for me. He is the one who rose again. He is the one who robes me in his righteousness.

I’m not the one who clothes the congregation in my righteousness! If that’s the way it was, it would be a sad, sad day!

When I think I’m necessary, there’s so much pressure there. I can’t even move under the weight of it. When I fail, everything falls apart.

But nothing fell apart on Sunday. (Well, nothing except me. And that’s okay.)

Pressure’s off. I’m not the necessary one. Jesus will continue to serve his people without me.

And he continues to serve me, even when I can’t serve him. He was at my side in the hospital, even as he blessed my congregation.

I’m not the necessary one. Jesus is.