Our Good Friday services are mainly attended by members, or by WELS members visiting the area. That was true at noon today, and I expect it to be true this evening.
But what a wonderful opportunity I had in between! As I drove into the parking lot after a late lunch at home, there was a car parked in front of our church sign. These people usually drive away when they see me drive in, but this time they drove back into the parking lot to chat and ask about our church and our services. They came inside to talk.
It turns out they didn’t have a church, but have attended the local ELCA church. They asked how we were different.
With the Good Friday cross in the background, we talked about the whole plan of salvation, culminating in Good Friday and in the very gospel God had graciously brought them to hear on this Good Friday. They come from a liberal background, both politically and morally, and they had lots of challenges for some of the public teachings of the Church. The ELCA certainly is a better fit for their belief system. But as I told them, their belief system and God’s truth don’t match.
I have no idea what the future holds for this couple, but I saw the Law have its stinging effect on them as we talked about the First Commandment and this inherent desire to be our own god. Did I also notice the Gospel softening the lines on their skeptical faces? It seemed like it. They did agree to start a Bible Information Course with me next week.
There’s nothing better than an evangelism opportunity on Good Friday. The Father’s gift to his Son.
“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” John 12:32.
