The Ballestero Blog

Disappointed At A Top 10!

I have flown hundreds of times on airplanes. Often in the airline’s magazine there will be ads for steak houses proclaiming their membership among the “Top 10 Steak Houses in America.”

Well, I have lived long enough and traveled far enough, that it has been my privilege to visit several of them.

Imagine the hype built by my host as we sit down to eat lunch. “This is one of the “Top 10 Steak Houses in America,” he said!

“Wow,” was about all I could come up with. Imagine. Me, an ‘everyday Joe” getting to eat at a joint like this! Wow, again!

The table had a starched white linen tablecloth, accented by black cloth napkins. The silverware was stylish, the goblets were chosen carefully, the chairs were comfortable and the ambience was perfect. The fellowship the best anyone could hope for. I felt honored to be here.

Just by the impressive look of the closed menu, it was easy to tell that a loan may need to be taken out just to eat here. Everywhere I looked, the word expensive came to mind.

The tall server was pleasant and efficient. It was evident that a gender transformation was in progress. The low voice and the dress did not compliment each other well, however.

I wasn’t really hungry for a steak, but since I am sitting in one of the “Top 10 Steak Houses in America,” I figured I might as well eat steak since I’m here. Our wives each ordered the Lobster and Crab Bisque with a Spinach Salad garnished with Strawberries and Glazed Pecans.

Both of us men ordered the only steak they served during the daytime, the New York Strip. We both ordered the potato and veggies as well.

The women couldn’t stop bragging on their choice of entrée and salad. My friend and myself had a time eating our steaks. The steak knife was not a SharpenedKnife and took great effort to saw through the meat. The steaks were quite tough. They were seasoned OK, but I once ate a more tender steak at Waffle House. I ate all of mine, but he ate less than half of his and stopped.

The “Top 10” experience had left something to be desired in our lunch. Was it two bad steaks? Was it an “off day” for the chef? Was it just us? I have cooked steaks this tough myself, but I expected more because of the big ads.

Regardless, we may never get to see the inside of the place again. Disappointment was unspoken, but still felt. When a customer goes to a place that is advertised world wide, expectations run high. When those expectations are not met, disappointment is soon to appear.

In the Bible, the Psalmist declares in Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.

Better than a thousand? A thousand what? He doesn’t spell it out, but in my mind, he is saying it’s better than a thousand of anything!

Again, his love for the House of God is declared in Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

No disappointment in Jehovah is detected here. Jehovah’s House lived up to the Psalmist’s expectation, and more besides.

The Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon. She had heard the glorious reports of the Temple and of King Solomon. When she listened to his wisdom and looked at the glory of the House of God, she was in awe. When she saw all that a gentile was allowed to see, she was overwhelmed. When Solomon finally ascended the stairs to the Temple, The Queen looked at this glorious event and fainted for joy.

She said in 1Kings 10:7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me. The House of God far exceeded her expectations.

What do sinners and visitors think when they visit our churches. Are they touched by the worship? Are the moved by the preaching? Does the Spirit convict them? Are they filled with the Holy Ghost?

The Apostolic Church is not just ‘A’ church in the “Top 10 Churches In America”. This Church is THE Church. God’s only church! God forbid that hungry hearts come to our church services and go home disappointed in their experience.

Let’s determine to live up to our name and reputation. Whether services are held in a storefront or a cathedral, glorious services should await those who are hungry for God. There should be no disappointment in Jesus!

Psa. 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

Psa. 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

If we are experiencing disappointment in church and in living for the Lord, it’s NOT His fault! The Father wants His children to be satisfied.