English – Dutch
Not all who come are precious guests. There are both bad fish and good caught in the Kingdom’s net and the bad must necessarily be thrown away. There are those who enter in to feast with the saints who do not have on a wedding garment. These too must be thrown out.
The precious guest, not known by appearance, is the one whom the Lord has brought into our midst to become one with us in Him. That guest may not be treated as a guest in worldly terms of hospitality and politeness. He may indeed be reproved and rebuked, told the truth, unpleasant to him as it may seem but by the grace of God, he will believe, respond and discover he is indeed a precious guest, beloved among the brethren.
You have come not only because
You have chosen to do so
But you have been brought here
To rest and to be comforted,
To hear a word in due season,
A good word,
Whether it soothes or hurts,
Whether it heals or cuts,
But the truth will make you free
Nevertheless.
You have here a shelter from the storm,
A haven of sweet rest,
If you receive it as such.
Bring in your peace with you
If you wish it to be returned,
And forsake everything unclean.
Take off your shoes
And rest awhile.
May you be blessed and nourished,
Strengthened and healed,
Prepared to continue your journey
In an alien world,
In an hostile environment
Because you are His.
We hope you’ll be washed of this world’s dust,
Bathed in the Word of God;
We hope you’ll take on
A fresh change of clothes
And armour for trials ahead.
Sit awhile,
Fellowship with us,
And know our home is yours,
If you are His,
Because this home is His
And what is His is yours.
Lethbridge, Oct. 1, 1984