Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/92

Contributor - A. Gardiner Skelly

Title - Wise or Otherwise

Topic -

The closing of the church galleries during the slender summer months was an annual source of irritation to some of those who enjoyed the commanding view which these high perches afforded. Yet, despite these godly grumbles, each year with Easter over and Mother's Day duly celebrated, the decision was taken, quite democratically, to close the galleries and to consolidate the faithful at floor level.

Interestingly enough, the resistance did not always come from the direction which one might have expected! Instead, it came mostly from an otherwise happy, extroverted, humorous, evangelical retired professional. That was the surprising thing. John (not his real name) was normally a supportive, appreciative, genial Christian gentleman. But I guess like most of us, he was also a creature of habit and he just didn't enjoy being dislodged from his lofty location.

It was Labour Day Sunday and since the galleries would not officially re-open till the second Sunday in September, John was part of the ground floor congregation. I was just back from a long summer holiday and an inspiring experience at the Princeton Institute of Theology. After such an extended period of rustication and education, my batteries were literally overflowing! Fortunately for you, dear readers, I do not have the slightest recollection of the sermonic masterpiece which I delivered that day - or I might succumb to the temptation to inflict it on you here and now! But not to worry, for all that I recall of the occasion has to do with my verbal transaction with John, at the door as he left the sanctuary.

Craving for some complimentary crumb, I clung to his hand in pastoral solicitude. "It's good to see you. How are you?" I asked. His response jolted me. "I don't like sitting downstairs," he said. This was his response to my prophetic proclamation of the gospel! Nettled, I came forth with what I thought to be a quite inspired rejoinder. I said, "You know, John, I don't think there are going to be any gallery seats in heaven at all!" That, I thought, will hold him for a while! But no so. Like a pistol shot he replied, "No, but by that time I'll have my wings and I'll be able to fly up as high as I like!" It was a marvellous answer and we both enjoyed the hilarity of the moment. John got his wings a few years ago and I have no doubt that he is making good use of them.

One hesitates to spoil a good story with moralistic exposition, but allow me two brief observations. I am reminded that a sense of humour is both a God-given grace and an effective means of communication which can greatly facilitate fellowship. At a later date I hope to write about our Lord's use of humour for it is a much neglected theme.

But, as well, John's comment re-opens the riddle which asks; "if angels have wings and can actually fly, then why did they need that ladder in Jacob's dream to get up and down to and from heaven?" Who knows? Could it possibly be that even for angels there are days when they just don't feel like soaring and have to be content to put one foot past the other on the ladder?

Please click the "Back" button of your browser to return to previous page.