Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The Show Must Go On
As the saga continues, Edith Schaeffer explains brilliantly, we are tempted to sit in the stands or at the theatre, watching as the curtain closes “to shut off part of history or prophecy” or opens to reveal “clear glimpses of other parts”. Scenes. Games. Fragments. Do you think God put us here to watch, to be trapped in our small reality and limited vision? Sadly, many of us do participate only as fans. And when the show is over, we believe it is down time until the next event. Not to completely disregard our time as fans. Naturally, we are being influenced daily by others in the spotlight. Our lives are a bit passive, a bit active. This analogy is addressing the tossing about, loss of direction as random players of improv or fun addicts who don’t even offer a round of applause to encourage the stars, because their only concern is self.
What if you are the main character? Going back to the Superbowl thing, what if you are the QB or MVP? You’re saying, like me, NOT! But we’re not going there. Imagine your mark being relevant to the Big Story…according to scripture, it is. Our daily choices are either expanding God’s glory or they are rebelling, ultimately putting to a halt and quenching the fires at God’s altar so that the thousands will not see His glory. Your role and mine in the Greatest Show on Earth, is not a circus (although it would often so appear!). The only show that matters will go on into eternity, there is an audience, and you and me are knowingly or surprisingly thrust into the lights! Haven’t given your life to Messiah? It’s not only about you; your audience is watching your performance.
“Jesus made it clear that every human being upon this earth either gathers [people] unto Himself or scatters them abroad. Unbelievers, having spent their whole lives scattering people away from Jesus Christ, [are accountable]. (Kennedy, D. James; Why I Believe; p. 90) Majorly guilt inducing if you are the least bit inclined to hearing the truth. Some would call it hype. Jesus called it like it is. After pulling out all my manmade tools and failing to find the scripture, I prayed and let God send His fire. Given here are the miraculous quotes from Jesus’ premiere performance:
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” ~Matthew 12:33
“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.” ~Luke 11:23
“Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come…so watch yourselves.” ~Luke 17:1&3 (repeated in three gospels)
“Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” ~Matthew 15:13, 14
