"I have become all things to all people so that in all possible ways I might save some. I do all of that because of the good news. And I want to share in its blessings."
(I Corinthians 9:22b-23)
We often think more in terms of limitations than possibilities when it comes to sharing the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ. In doing so, we allow a number of factors, often beyond our control, to impact our witness for Christ. Paul's challenges our twenty-first century caution and confronts us with an approach that acts on the great commission of Jesus to go into all the world and make disciples. Paul recognizes the value of every soul and is willing to do whatever he can to help bring salvation to those who will believe.
March Madness started this week. It's the annual college basketball extravaganza that places 68 teams in competition for the purpose of crowning a national champion. Coaches prepare their teams, fans make travel plans to follow their team wherever they go, and productivity in offices and factories across the nation suffers while people are distracted by the excitement of college basketball for three weeks in March. Perhaps the most nervous moments for these coaches, players, and fans is Selection Sunday when they wait for their team to be called and the location of the venue where they will play. Coaches often position themselves as cheerleaders for their teams, promoting to anyone who will listen the attributes of their team. They present their case and hope that their story will open doors of acceptance for their team.
In this season of Lent there are no cheering crowds, no public relations people to positively spin the story...there is a cross, and the man carrying that cross will willingly lay down his life to pay for the sins of everyone. This man, Jesus, was willing to become all things to all people...salvation for all. That's more exciting, more life-changing than March Madness. That's the good news of the gospel that must be shared.
Prayer: Gracious God, help us to freely share the good news of Jesus Christ, for in doing so, we share in its blessings. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
No comments:
Post a Comment