GOoDLifePre-Cepts.me
By: KeviJ
When Worship becomes transactional, we’ve missed the point.
Last Sunday, the church was ready for service: the lights were on, the A/C was cooling the sanctuary, and the worship team stood prepared to sing. The assistant or guest pastor had spent time in study, prayer, and some trepidation, preparing to deliver a heartfelt sermon. However, the lead pastor was away on sabbatical, so many pews in the sanctuary remained empty. A number of regular church members didn’t attend simply because their preferred preacher wasn’t present. This reveals a mindset our culture has adopted:
“If I don’t get something out of the service, and feel like it was a ‘good message,’ it’s not worth attending.”
Yet, this is not the example Jesus set for us. He taught us to show up because He is present, giving not for applause but out of gratitude, and attending not for the speaker’s merit, but because of the God being proclaimed.
We don’t just have this problem of only committing to things if we think there will be a payoff somewhere down the line in the area of church attendance, but also in our time with God. We stop praying if we feel God is moving too slowly. Yet, we don’t stop looking for a job after we get the 10th no. We only go to the gym a certain number of times, and when we don’t feel it’s working, we stop going. We seem to commit to relationships as well halfheartedly, and if we’re not getting anything out of it, we quickly dismiss people. My brothers and sisters’ things simply ought not be this way.
This week’s Question Jesus asked, why it mattered, and how it’s an invitation to the kingdom:
“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in royal luxury are found in royal palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, and I say to you, one who is more than a prophet.”
~Luke 7:24-26
John the Baptist was not like a reed shaken by the wind? It’s true, reeds grow near water and are easily moved by the slightest breeze. John the Baptist, whom Jesus speaks of, was not easily moved. He also lived in the wilderness. Consider that with me, this is the very place the children of Israel cried out in disgust against God they wanted to be delivered from, and John lived there as a permanent residence. A reed represents instability, undependability, liquidity, flexibility, and mobility. These were all characteristics that Jesus pointed out that John did not possess.
Could it be that the people were tired of those who were fickle and weak around them? They wanted someone who was “real.” And they were willing to leave the comfort of their homes, not only to travel and see John, but also to be baptized by him. In other words, they saw and heard the message of repentance for the remission of their sins, were moved to get their lives together, and received what John had to offer. He wasn’t trying to sell them anything or take anything from them; he was trying to give them something everlasting, something that would anchor them for the rest of their lives. John represented being rooted, resilient, planted, and flourishing, and more importantly, ready to speak truth.
Jesus called John more than a prophet, but why? John lived in a space of purpose. He knew exactly what he was called to do; some might argue that he knew before he left his mother, Elizabeth’s, womb. Jesus was his cousin by birth, and there was a strong family resemblance between them. John fulfilled prophecy and honored his assignment just as Jesus did. He didn’t need signs or applause to validate him. He was bold, obedient, and committed to the truth, declaring the kingdom of God. His mantra was, “I don’t chase titles, I walk in purpose!”
Knowing whose he was, from whom he’d come, and to whom he would return made all the difference in how he saw his mission here on earth. People left the comfort of their homes to come and see him, and he never asked them to give him anything. He just preached the truth he was given. Here’s the gist of this whole message, and our kingdom connection for the GOoDLife: A life of unwavering purpose prepares the way for others to encounter the King.
2 thoughts to ponder and 1 question to consider: The heart probe
The most significant impact I may ever have may not come from a stage in front of a million people, but rather from relatively quiet obedience to God in my daily dealings with others, especially in wilderness experiences.
There’s something to be said about being prepared. God doesn’t applaud our popularity; He always wants us to put into practice His love toward others in truth.
Am I living in such a way that others would be willing to leave a palace to come find out why?
Let’s end in prayer:
Father, I know John the Baptist was radical, and in a society like the one we live in, it may be hard to find many like him. I desire to surrender my life to You in this way, and live on purpose for an audience of one, just as he did, so that I may receive Your “Well-Done” when I stand before You. Teach me to carry this kingdom posture with me in everything I say, think, and do, not seeking the clothing of comfort, but instead the garment of surrender to Your way daily.
References:
This is Question #16 following the Chronological Study Bible by Thomas Nelson
Luke 7:24-26 is connected to
Matt 11: 7-10
Rom 12:1-2
2 Tim 4:6-8
