Sorry, You are Looking for Something that Is Not Here

A nice couple walked into our offices this morning and asked where they could find the viewing for their late friend Mr. Smith (name changed). Bev (our administrative assistant) and I must have looked confused. They told us they had driven in from the mountain for a funeral and the paper had identified the Connellsville Church of God as the service location.

In exploring the newspaper's website, sure enough it said the funeral was at The Church of God - Connellsville. Thankfully, it also listed the pastor's name who was conducting the service, which gave Bev enough information to direct them to the proper place. After they left, we remarked that we might be receiving more guests, all expecting to pay their final respects to Mr. Smith.

Sure enough, a few minutes later another car pulled into our lot; an older couple got out and looked around. I went out to save them a walk into the building: Are you here for Mr. Smith? Their confused answer: No, the newspaper said there was a yard sale here today.

That's funny! I guess God can bring his people to our church by any method he chooses. Made me think though. Several days ago I clicked on a link that was supposed to take me directly to a news story. Instead of the article, a message appeared: Sorry, You are Looking for Something that Is Not Here. What pastor could read those words and not think about the millions of people around the globe (or the tens of thousands around our county) looking to fill the God-shaped hole in their lives with things and pursuits that will not satisfy? If there really was truth in advertising, each of those pursuits would have a warning label: WARNING - You are Looking for Something that Is Not Here.

Then again, according to Luke 24:1-10, sometimes there is an upside to looking for something that is not there.