By Rev. Jacquelyn Simmons
Scripture: “And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.” “For they are impudent children and stiff hearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.” “And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them” (Ezekiel 2:3-5).
After completing my “stint” at Grambling College (University), this writer became the musician at Triumph Baptist Church, located here in Monroe, LA. My grandfather, the late Rev. Dr. William Warner Hill, served as its first pastor. Oft times, during services, a well-groomed African American man entered the sanctuary and sat near its entrance. It did not seem to be a hindrance to him what was taking place during the services because without warnings, he would suddenly spring from his seat brandishing his Bible above his head and shouted loudly several times, “Repent, Monroe!”
“Papa,” as we affectionately called my grandfather and others in church attendance always continued the services as previously planned.
After delivering several more “Repent, Monroe” messages during the services, he made his exit. I found out later he had been shouting his God-given message, “Repent, Monroe” for innumerable years as he walked throughout its muddy, dusty streets and while traveling from church to church. The streets and sidewalks in Monroe, during that time, were not paved in the African American neighborhoods as most of them are today.
It is obvious, Monroe did not heed God’s prophet’s warnings. Example: The “blue laws” were removed from the books in Ouachita Parish opened this city on Sundays to the operation of bars, shopping centers, service stations, etc. Previously, only churches were opened in Monroe. This ordinance resulted in church officials, including some pastors, church members and some parents having to work on Sundays which resulted in non-attendance for them and their children. Sooo, what do we have now???? We have generations of people who are not aware of God’s plan of salvation through the death, burial, resurrection, ascension and present seat at the Right Hand of the Father, Jesus Christ, pleading forgiveness from Him for our souls. But, on that day-the day of reckoning…
In our text for this message, God told His Prophet Ezekiel to explain to His rebellious people, Israel, why they were in captivity. He warned him afore time that they would not heed to His explanations and were in danger of more punishments but explain and warn them anyway.
It probably grieved Prophet “Bud” Smith over the annoyed, sometimes laughing receptions he received as he traveled throughout Monroe, La, but he diligently warned us. This writer was a witness. I was there!!!!
Several members of Prophet Smith’s family were active members of Triumph Baptist Church including a daughter, Mrs. Shirley Ricks, who served as president of the choir, even though the elimination of the “blue laws” limited her and others’ attendance. Presently, he has a great-granddaughter, Mrs. Viann Fabian, who is very active at Triumph. She is the author of several books, also.
Love You Much, Rev. Jacquelyn Simmons
