The book of Acts relates a fascinating incident in the early days of the church. Philip. one of Jesus’ followers, met an Ethiopian man on a desert road between Jerusalem and Gaza. The traveler, a high official in the court of the Ethiopian queen, had made a pilgrimage to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem, and was on the return trip.
Philip, under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit, approached the regal chariot and saw a scroll open on the man’s lap. “Do you understand what you’re reading?” Philip asked.
Without being embarrassed, the official replied, “How can I unless someone explains it to me?” He invited Philip to climb into the chariot and travel with him.
The Ethiopian was on a journey. He hadn’t arrived at his destination yet when Philip met him. He was still in the middle of his journey when Philip joined him and traveled with him. Even after Philip left, the Ethiopian had miles to go, but that was okay.
The church is a place for people on a journey. Identification with a church doesn’t mean you’ve arrived. Involvement in a church doesn’t mean you’ve reached your destination. It is, however, a way to join others who are on similar journeys. Like the Ethiopian, you may have miles and miles to go, but that’s okay, because church is a place for people who are on a journey, regardless of how far they’ve traveled or how far they have to go.
So come where you are and be welcomed.