Blog 6.27.2022
Delivering the Good News
Invariably, when there is something to be accomplished in the Condos home, a generalized request is sent out, “Would someone please pick up the firetruck in the middle of the floor.” The only people to hear that request are typically the other parent, who is already attending to another pressing matter, probably a missing shoe. When the original request is unsuccessful, I develop a more specific plea, “Theo, please put the firetruck into the toy bin.” Once again, Theo either did not hear the request or ignored it because it was “boring.” However, Cooper will have heard it and sharply replied that he is also looking for the missing shoe. This is precisely why I asked Theo to take care of it the second time. The only way a request like this ever gets accomplished is by taking the time to personally walk up to Theo, get on his level (possibly stooping to the ground), and ask him to pick up the toy. Finally, after all that effort, someone will pick up the toy, accomplishing the simplistic undertaking.
The irony of ministry or perhaps just communication is that the people who need to hear a message are never listening. I was given terrific advice nine years ago as I started my ministry career: “Never present a message designed for one specific person.” When you ignore this advice, you only harm yourself. You will spend hours crafting the perfect sermon or lesson for the targeted person to hear. You will work on details that will strike the heart and possibly affect real change in the individual. But, almost without fail, the person you were hoping to reach won’t be there when it comes time to present the message. In the grand scheme of things, it always works out because God was simultaneously working on someone else’s heart, but for the presenter, the message does not land the way we intended, and you will feel discouraged at your failed attempt.
Having listeners attend to a message is not new; Jesus encountered it throughout his ministry and pointed out this fact to his disciples in the first parable.
Matthew 13:13, 19, 22 – “13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. … 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. … 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
Jesus begins by stating why he used parables, which indicates the audience’s willingness to hear and understand. Many do not want to hear; perhaps it is too “boring,” complicated, or different from their preconceived biases. Others hear, yet other priorities take root; maybe they are looking for a lost shoe. However, the message still needs to be declared.
Romans 10:14-17
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” 16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
People still need to believe and to believe, and they need to have first heard about Jesus. So perhaps, just like the opening scenario, we specifically address them and have a one-on-one conversation about Jesus. And to be most effective, we must personally walk up to them, get on their level, and tell them about the Good News.
Great analogy, taking the physical need to get “down” on your knee to their level for them to hear. Sometimes we think they will just “know what we mean” by asking if they are a Christian for example. That is soooo open ended, but if you ask “do you know Jesus as your personal savior?” it makes them stop and think a bit more. Thank you for your wonderful lessons and sometimes a “child-like” way to learn and mature as a Christian.