I vividly remember approaching the door to the burger place. I had a visceral reaction to the clown picture (I have clown issues). I was consumed by the clown. This was not a McDonald’s. This was not a semi-trusted clown, if such a thing exists. It was a strange clown with a mesmerizing green glare. He did not make me want to eat a burger. Instead, he was eyeing me as if I would be next on the menu.
Then my eyes flitted to the right. A beautiful, happy, well-behaved dog looked warmly at my soul. It was ready to please, ready to help, ready to serve. The dog didn’t make be feel uncomfortable, it didn’t make me feel inadequate. The dog made me think I was worthy of love and affection.
Why was the clown in charge? Why was he against dogs? Why would any restaurant welcome those green dead eyes and exclude those black puddles of love? If the roles had been reversed I would have totally understood a sign that read, “No Clowns Please.” That would make some sense.
Last night, I saw the Jesus Revolution movie for a second time. Early in the movie several church characters are reacting in disgust to the “hippies” who are showing up at church. They react to their clothes, their hair, and their bare feet. These church leaders draw a line in the sand asserting that these wayward kids do not belong in the church. It’s as if they have a sign that reads, “No Hippies Please.” It looks grim until one seasoned church leader’s heart seems to change. He melts into the crowd of young people and is embraced by their love. It is a transformative moment that ignites the growth of the church.
God is the God who welcomes us all, even clowns like me.