Jesus, the Message

I have a conviction that when we lose confidence in the Message, the Gospel of the Kingdom, we intensify our focus on methods. My perspective has been influenced by a very positive experience and privilege of sharing the Message in over three hundred different pulpits. The presence of God is as satisfying and relevant in a group of ten or twelve as in crowds of thousands. I have been in very small and in huge settings and have discovered that where Jesus is, I am satisfied. In my travels I have been introduced to what church leaders variously call the “wow factor,” “energy,” or “pop” of public worship. It’s lights, cameras, action! The performance of highly-skilled religious artisans evokes excited, enthusiastic songs, dance, shouts and ample energy. But, on more than one occasion, there was no mention of Jesus, the Christ, who is the church’s Message. The call to the good life, to endless bounty, to a god described as a cosmic problem solver, will not save anyone. It is Jesus, who is the church’s Message. Jesus guarantees deliverance from the debilitating effects of sin, escape from crippling mental and emotional distresses, and the promise of purposeful living. Jesus calls people to unselfish living that satisfies the painful boredom which alcohol, drugs, and myriads of therapies attempt to anesthetize. Jesus is the Message. He satisfies people in every venue where He is welcomed, acknowledged, and heard. In recent readings of the Gospels, I have been startled with how frequently Jesus deliveed the needy from the aching, crippling effects of disease, demons and death. Jesus inflicted fatal blows to boredom. Matthew’s Gospel records that the words and works of Jesus “amazed” the people. Many times the people were “filled with awe” as Jesus taught and demonstrated His authority. “Surprise” repeatedly enters the circle of people gathered around Jesus. “Wonder” often describes the reaction of people in Jesus’ presence. Jesus sometimes had to send the people away. They wanted to linger, to bask in His Presence. He never said, “Tomorrow we will be meeting at the Fifth Street Synagogue. Bring your friends!” On at least one occasion Jesus got in a boat, crossed the lake, and was met by another group who found their way to where He was going! The satisfaction of the Presence, the presence of the Message was enough to attract people. The “awe” accompanied with Jesus’ presence was enough. Jesus, the Message is the magnet. Jesus, lifted up, still draws people to Himself. Jesus, the Message, is the miracle who still creates amazement and surprises!