One Fool For Christ

Anybody who's ever gotten up to speak in front of a decent-sized group of people has almost certainly encountered the fear of getting absolutely no response from the audience. A response every now and then typically helps us relax as we speak, because it helps us feel slightly more connected with the people and less like we're just talking AT them. No response is usually taken by the speaker as a rejection by the audience, and most everyone I can think of hates rejection. I'm sure Jesus didn't enjoy rejection either, though He endured it willingly on my behalf, praise God.

This past Sunday evening, I was in charge of leading worship again. I stepped up to the microphone, said "Good evening", and if it weren't for the dull murmur that followed, I probably would have been able to hear a cricket chirping somewhere south of the border. I didn't even pause, because the Holy Spirit took over. I stepped out from behind the pulpit, raised my arms, and literally shouted at all those sitting before me.

Come on, church!
Christ is risen!
Your sins are forgiven!

There were a few other words that followed, but I don't remember them very well. It's a bit of a blur now. I do remember that it drew some attention, though. I remember praying like I never had before to open the service as well. I don't remember what I said, but I do remember that it was way outside of the norm for me. After that, I thought my unusual behavior was past. I settled into the normal service routine. I figured the rest of the evening would be typical - we'd sing some, have a short Bible quiz, listen to the message, and go home. Well, that's more or less what we did, but it wasn't typical.

"Victory in Jesus". That was the last song before the message. As I led everyone through the first verse, I looked around. Many had their heads buried in their hymnals, trying to go unnoticed. The piano was easily louder than the voices I heard. I thought to myself,"Is this what victory sounds like?" It sounded more like "Lullaby in Jesus" to me. Once again, I had to shout.

STOP!
This is a song of VICTORY!

Victory, not shame. As believers in Christ, we have nothing to be ashamed of, and if you don't believe me, just ask Paul.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15

When the final chorus began, I think I may have scared a few people out there as I shouted "Sing it out!" Still, it's a moment I doubt I'll ever regret.

My prayer for last week or so has been fairly simple. "Lord, make me a fool for you. Give me a faith that can be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, and touched." I saw the first answer to that prayer on Sunday night. Does that mean I'm done praying for that kind of faith? Absolutely not! God has only just begun to scratch away at the surface of the mask of shame I've worn for far too long. Keep at it, Lord! Please don't stop!

I am a fool for Christ. The only question that remains is... Whose fool are you?

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. - Philippians 1:20