|
Listen
|
In the ancient history of the 1960’s when rock bands like the Grateful Dead toured constantly, they created a sense of community with their fans who “followed their tours for months or years on end”.(source: Grateful Dead – Wikipedia) This is still true today. Today this is referred to as “Music Tourism” (Source: Music tourism – Wikipedia). However, with ticket prices going higher, some fans borrow money to see their favorite bands. Why would a fan leave home and spend everything to follow a band?
I contrast this music enthusiasm to what I have observed in the church. I have been in a lot of prayer lately, and I am rethinking a lot of the accepted practices of the modern church. For years, as a pastor, I have encouraged church attendance and church participation. We accepted as fact that a faithful few of the people would do the ongoing work of the church, and significant percentage would participate from the pews. Pastors have wrung their hands about church attendance, and church financing, and expanding their outreach.
I am moving to a new perspective. I am going to invite people to love Jesus, and to follow Him. I’m done begging and pleading. I preach and teach because I love Him, and I owe Him my life. He saved me. I am simply going to tell His story in the best way I can, and I will show love to those around me. However, I am moving away from the great sin of the church which is counting, measuring, and comparison. This is counterproductive. It is God’s job to add to the church in the way He wants to add to the church. My job is to love Him and to introduce others to Him.
I go back to a note that I keep on my desk from a very good friend, mentor, sister, and family member. The note simply says “Invite people to love Jesus”. What does this look like? Let’s look at Luke 5:11 (NIV) ‘So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. ‘
We see what happens when Jesus invited His disciples to follow Him out of love? To quote the band Vertical Horizon in their song “Everything You Want”
“You’re waiting for someone to put you together
You’re waiting for someone to push you away
There’s always another wound to discover
There’s always something more you wish he’d say
He’s everything you want, he’s everything you need
He’s everything inside of you that you wish you could be
He says all the right things at exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you, and you don’t know why”
The band seems to be singing about human love relationships that go astray. There is only one relationship I can refer you to that will never go astray. Jesus is the answer to all of your questions about love.
I am in love with Jesus.
Whitney Houston “I Love The Lord”
https://youtu.be/Uoxm1Fpa9ck?si=gUTxLc74FyVIVj9_
We Love You,
Pastors Willie and Rochelle McIntosh
On Mission Every Day. Join us
- Learn the Word by reading our weekly blog.
- Write a comment, join us on social media or zoom meeting every Sunday at 2:30pm ET except the 2nd Sunday at 6:00PM (day subject to change).
- Do you need Prayer? Have questions? We can be reached at [email protected]
Was this message a blessing to you? Would you consider sharing it?
