I’m a what? A plague? Who? Me? On whose house? Seems like it to a tight-knit gang at a church I briefly serve. A scowling, growling bunch out for blood. Mine no less. Ever been in a church where that’s happened? Probably some of you are nodding in agreement, sad to say. It happens.

Years later, while having a successful career as a financial planner, I seek out my denominational authorities about preaching again, if asked, if needed. I’d been preaching a few times a year (in high demand! not!) in some neighboring denominations. But foolishly I thought I’d like to preach in my own as well. If needed. If asked. If.

The committee I appear before turns out to be a witch hunt. Feels like the Russian Czar and family in that basement before their executioners. It’s brutal. Almost no one knows who I am except that I’m somehow a plague on their house. Shame on me for wanting to share Jesus with others. To spread God’s good news. Tsk. Tsk.

Lo and behold, I receive a letter from them stating that I should never preach in any church anywhere ever again. Really? Fired? Banned but not just in Boston? This is from the same bunch who put in writing that there are no moral or ethical charges against me. None. No if’s and’s or but’s. Nevertheless, I’m a plague on their…well, you know.

The Apostle Paul faces big-time accusers as in the High Priest Ananias, a coterie of religious elders in his old denomination, and a dream-team lawyer by the name of Tertullus. Their case against Paul is laid out after buttering up the Roman politico Felix. Here’s a snapshot of their accusations–‘For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the Temple, but we seized him’ (Acts 24:5-8).

The result? They put the saint in preaching pandemic lockdown? Seals him off in some corner with no escape possible, fearing to open his mouth ever again? Hardly. Paul keeps laboring on, sharing Jesus with all who will listen and even with those who won’t.

Now, I’m no Apostle Paul. I’m not in his league at all. Not by a long shot. Not even close. But I do want to fulfill my ordination vows as best I can, as poorly as I’ve done. When God called me to serve Him, He must have run out of more promising candidates. But He did call me. I’ve heard His voice, so to speak. And when He says ‘jump’, I say ‘how high’.

So, I keep jumping, ignoring those voices that buttonhole me as a plague. If it means being called no-account names, only to ultimately hear Jesus say ‘Well done’, then it will be worth it all. The momentary pain leads to eternal gain. If I’m a plague on someone’s house, so be it.

You too? In some way or other? Taking a stand for Jesus and the Bible makes you uncomfortable and unpopular? Again, so be it.

Keep following Jesus. Fulfill your promises to the Lord. Nothing will be better in spite of offensive comments made along the way. It’s Jesus’ voice we most want to hear and heed. He’ll drown out all the rest. Again, so be it. And, Amen!

Lord Jesus, thank you for your great love that I can bank on today and always. Amen.