A KISS FOR THE PASTOR
by K. Neill Foster
The city was Banga in the Philippines, and the man's name was Mr. Cervesa. In a nation of shorter men, he was tall – perhaps six feet. Although he was an elder in the local church he was at odds with his pastor and with the pastor's wife.
The tension had existed for several years and was known among the people. When the pastor's wife, for example, was at the market, Mr. Cervesa would turn away if he saw her.
The revival meetings piqued his curiosity even though he was not impressed with the foreign preacher – me. Moreover, he let his views be known. Then one night, everything changed. When the invitation was given, Mr. Cervesa, moved by the Spirit, stood up and strode forward like a giant from his prominent seat at the back of the building.
Upon arriving at the platform, he gave his pastor a dramatic kiss. His words made clear that he wanted to be reconciled with his pastor. The pastor and his wife, small and frail were delighted to respond.
The next day, Cervesa continued the process which he had begun. That day he was reconciled with a cousin with whom he had not spoken to for thirty-six years.
Reconciliation. By definition, it means getting right with God and with those around us. It's as simple as that. The truth is that you can never be right with God so long as you hate your brother or sister.
Not every pastor needs a reconciliation kiss, but some do. There is no doubt that there are those who need to reconcile with the Lord and with others, perhaps even with your pastor. Who do you need to reconcile with?
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