DEMAND TO BE RE-SEATED

SERMON STORIES: LAUGH & LEARN

#3: DEMAND TO BE RE-SEATED

As a British Airways plane was getting ready to take off from Johannesburg, South Africa, a lady elegantly dressed with an air of sophistication, rang for the flight attendant. “I object to be seated to this black man,” she complained, “I demand to be re-seated.”

“Ma’am, I’m sorry,” the attendant apologised, “the plane is full.” “What about Business Class?” the lady insisted. “Let me check,” said the attendant. Soon she came back, “I’m sorry, Ma’am, the Business Class is also full.”

“What about First Class?” the lady persisted. The attendant replied, “Ma’am, I’ll have to speak to the Chief Bursar.” Soon the Chief Bursar came, and spoke to the lady, “Ma’am, I’m sorry to hear that you do not wish to be seated to this gentleman. I’m happy to inform you that we have one empty seat in First Class, and we will take care of your problem.”

He then turned to the man and said, “Sir, if you will take your things and follow me, we have the seat waiting for you.” 

Discrimination along racial, socio-economic or any line, is offensive to God, and unacceptable in society, more so among those who call themselves the followers of Jesus. Instead of partiality, we should show respect and offer affirmation.

“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2.1-4 ESV