As I was flipping through the the toob tonight I came across some interesting findings. Two programs running symotaniously but sharing extremely different messages. You may say,"Duh Layne that happens all the time." Well, these two shows that were running side by side exactly 8 channels away from one another were of people claiming to be holding on to the same values, but proclaiming polar opposite views.
Channel #1 Billy Graham speaking about the fullness that you can find in Christ if you would just give up yourself and seek to know Christ. Come to the cross and stop trying to be righteous in your own means because it will not come any other way except through Christ.
Channel#2 Anonymous "preacher" sharing about when our enemies see our houses or our cars that they will be envious of us. That our enemies will be outraged out how our God blessed us.
Are you hearing what I'm hearing? Are we concerned with gaining the whole world or losing it? Wasn't it very clear what Jesus said to the disciples who were jockeying over a position of stature. So, if my enemies are envious of me does that make me puffed up or does that make me humble? Are we looing to be envied or are we looking for opportunities to share the lve of Christ? I wonder what God thinks in heaven as we all share our own messages. The amazing thing about Jesus' life here on earth was that he was always resisting the role of power even though He had all the power in the world! The only time that He spoke of being a king was when it when he was put on trial. I read an amazing quote just today," The cross redefines God as One who was willing to relinquish power for the sake of love. Power no matter how well-intentioned, tends to cause suffering. Love, being vulnerable, absorbs it. In a point of convergence on a hill called Calvery, God renounced the one for the sake of the other."
3 comments:
Wonderful post, Ms. Eiler. It's amazing how we can get so off the core message of Jesus. One thing I appreciate so much about Billy Graham is his simplistic way of presenting the gospel message. He hasn't really changed his message in the 60 plus years he's been speaking, because the message is Jesus and the cross.
I find it fascinating to think about the relationship between love and power. It seems that Jesus understood that true power is found in lifting others up rather than controlling them or tearing them down. In a sense, he was relinquishing his power by suffering at our hands. But he was also exhibiting a more potent power of a love that is "stronger than death" as the Song of Solomon says.
It's kind of like Moulin Rouge: "Love is like oxygen; love is a many splendored thing; love lifts us up where we belong; all you need is love."
Bravo Eric! Are you going to display your musical skills and poetry?
I am reading a book by Thomas Cahill (author of: "How the Irish Saved Civilization") called "The Gift of the Jews". He explains a passage in the book of Amos where the prophet is rebuking the nation of Israel for being materially wealthy but ignoring the needs around them. Basically he says that since the people have more than what they need and do not give to the poor, etc. they are serving gods of comfort and ease and are a disgust to God. So much for the "prosperity gospel" we often hear preached. I believe that God does want to bless his people, including material wealth, but not so we can just have nice homes, cars, etc. but so in our abundance we can give to those who lack.
Great post Miss Eiler.
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