After almost 24 hours we finally rolled into San Antonio for our conference. Just enough time to check in to the hotel and head over to register right when gates opened. But we weren’t the only ones with that idea as the lines were already almost out the door when we got there.
Looking around I saw all ages and all races. I saw families and campus students, seasoned leaders and eager disciples young in their faith. I saw one guy with a long goatee and full sleeve tattoos talking with an older man from southeast Asia. The crowd definitely represented a melting pot united by the lordship of Christ.
I met an author and scholar I admire as he was frantically unloading boxes and boxes of books to get ready and sell. And it hit me, he’s just another guy just like me; tired from the trip and looking forward to fellowship and worship.
So as I look around at all these people, I’m reminded of what being a disciple of Jesus is all about: one another. Each person here heard the Gospel from someone and is a soul precious to our Lord. And this is only a fraction of the expanse of God’s Kingdom while many still reside outside of His sovereign walls. The King is throwing a party and wants us all to come. (Luke 14:15-16)
I am praying that God opens my eyes in a new way while I am here. The conference hasn’t even officially started and I am already being convicted by the Holy Spirit. I know I won’t be able to meet every single person in attendance, but I know each one has a story to tell of how God has brought them to this place. And I have to wonder: is someone not here because I never shared the Gospel with him or her? All are precious in God’s sight, and God wants a relationship with each and every one of us. It’s up to me to invite as many as I can to his great banquet.