I went to a gospel concert. Actually I have been to several. I spent the whole evening musing on the fact that the lead singer referred to their music as “ministry.” I couldn’t help but wonder if the twelve disciples sang and danced around Palestine. I think our contemporary Christian culture sees Jesus as a Rock Star. It makes me wonder is music really all that important?
Then I have a friend who is a radical right-wing politician. He is persuaded that Jesus’ main concern is getting the right legislation passed. The irony of it is another friend is a radical left-wing political figure. I would call him a Marxist for Jesus but he doesn’t. It reminds me of the civil war where both the north and south were praying, prophesying and exclaiming God was on their side. Of course we know he loved the north more!
Somehow I am pretty sure that Jesus avoided politics with a passion. Remember he did pay taxes with a miracle. And he did say give Caesar his due. But he seem to believe real issues were settled at the level of spiritual warfare.
One of my friends is an artist. He has designed whole church services around artwork. He uses music, lighting and painting and calls it “ministry.” I love art. And I think it is a great tool of communication. But more than that an expression of the heart of humanity. And it is needed. But I wonder if the twelve disciples ran around with easels in hand.
Then there are those who call preaching “ministry.” The early church did have preachers and teachers who were leaders. And it appears the church did celebrate God with the reading and discussion of the scriptures. I have a friend who brokers his services as a “preacher” as though he were a professional athlete. Packages get negotiated and signed like a contract to take a ball team to the pennant.
Somehow I see Jesus as a Rabbi – Teacher who loved a good story. And he judged the effectiveness of his message sometimes by how many didn’t like what he had to say. Especially churchgoers. And his payment for his leadership was a cross between two criminals.
I have concluded that there are a few vocations Jesus related to. As I said he was a Rabbi and Teacher. But he taught revolution and upheaval. He was a Pharisee and attacked his own denomination. He taught the poor and the wealthy and never noticed which was which.
He was also a carpenter. He liked to build stuff. He loved to work with his hands.
And most of all he was a Son. He was the only Son of God. And he was a tender son to Mary.
But he was also willing to be a criminal in the eyes of the illegitimate religious and political powers.
And he rose from the dead receiving to Him all power on heaven and earth.
