LOOKING JESUS RIGHT IN THE EYE …. Some folks have accused Protestants, particularly those of us in the Reformed and Anglican traditions of being way too “Paul-focused”. The frequent complaint is that we spend so much time theologizing and teaching for the letters of Paul and catechisms and creeds that are built on Paul’s writings, that we don’t get close enough to or spend enough time with Jesus.
To this complaint, I must confess that I think it is all too true all too often. Paul is one righteous dude. And, he got Jesus and lived “in Christ” far beyond my measly spiritual and leadership capacities. I tip my hat to Paul. He is a constant guide on my journey. In fact, Mark Mohrlang’s dad, Roger has just published a book on Paul that is totally stellar. So, while I defend Paul and his words, I also stand accused of preaching too many series and forming too much of my theology in a Paul-centered basis.
I was most reminded of this error when I met and made friends with a pastor in Eastern Canada who is a pony-tailed, Harley riding, Christ-follower. His has developed an enormous multi-site church with about 50% of it’s thousands of members coming from first time conversions to Christ. And, here’s an interesting note: For the most part, every sermon he preaches comes from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. He wants to stay with the core Gospel as much as possible. And, this guy knows the Old Testament, Paul, Peter and all the creeds and theology very well.
While I don’t agree totally with my Canadian friends, over-focus on the four gospels to the exclusion the of the rest of Scripture, here’s what I will say: WHEN YOU READ, PRAY, STUDY, HEAR AND PREACH THE GOSPELS YOU WIND UP LOOKING JESUS RIGHT IN THE EYE…
This eye to eye encounter with the God-man is why I am so thoroughly enjoying preaching through Matthew this year. Jesus jumps out of all the text and pleads, comforts, cajoles, encourages and guide us toward deep salvation in him, toward deep connection with him and toward the possibility of a Christlike character to be lived out in the world. Week after week, studying, reading, praying and reflecting the texts we have selected to preach – Jesus embraces me and captures something larger than my attention — he captures my very essence and calls me to new places of faith, trust, love and action. In just a few months, we have heard Jesus call us blessed for characteristics that make us dependent on him. We have heard him scold the religious, judgmental, cynical snob that lurks inside each of us. We have heard him renounce the over-institutionalization of religion and call us to take up our cross and follow him. He has warned old, comfortable Randy and his mates that when we seek to save our lives, we lose them. Our comfort and ease is our undoing. And, Jesus reminds us that all the good things he has done and is doing start as little specks like the nearly unseen mustard seed and take a goodly time to grow. Look at all we have learned! And, all from the mouth of literally the one who made the world, and in whom all things are held together.
We’ve the rest of July, all of August and September to continue to live eye to eye with Jesus. Let’s savor this time with Him. Lotsa Love, Randy
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