Sometimes I wonder how my life would be summed up. What would people say? If I had to describe my whole being in one sentence, what would it be? Sure, I'm a human, and that means that I'm complex. My wife and I have been married 7 years and are just getting to know each other. How could I sum her up in a sentence? I couldn't - there is no single sentence that would do justice. But, what about my passion? Could that be summed up in a sentence? Is my life that focused that my passion drives it all and that passion is so focused that it can be put in a sentence? Was that last sentence even focused?
John the Baptist's whole passion and life and ministry came down to his message: "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." That's his passion - it doesn't tell us a thing about his parents who were really old priests, the potential everyone saw in him, his life in the woods, his life with God and relationship with Him from a young age. None of that, but the passion bleeds through and his concern is simple: God is coming, repent. Not tomorrow or next week, but today, right now. He knew God and loved God so much and saw that all of life was meaningless without God. He didn't have a big bank account, gap jeans, or A&F shirts. He didn't eat at the nice restaraunts. His life had to be pretty bland - except that it impacted so many people and changed the course of history. His concern, wasn't himself. It was God, and it showed. And, because he lived his passion, people believed. There was proof in the pudding. The religious leaders, you know, the pastors and bishops and priests all went to go see him and hear his message. They didn't always get along, but John's life and simple message couldn't be swept under the carpet.
When I'm done, will people be able to sweep me under the carpet? Or will the message stand and force decision? What is that message?
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