One lump or two? Decaf or regular? Original or crispy? Charismatic or evangelist?
Which is right? Should we recite the liturgy or dance to the music? Do we fold our hands in prayer or lift them in praise? Bow our heads or turn cartwheels down the aisle? And why can’t everyone else see it’s the other guy that’s wrong and us that’s right?
Let’s look at some biblical patterns and see if there can be some insight gathered. After all, the term “lay people” in the church did not always refer to people sprawled out on the carpet! What’s going on
MARY AND MARTHA: One’s working; one’s loafing. Jesus needs food. Food has to be prepared. No MacDonald’s. No Pepsi. No Pizza Hut. Water has to be drawn and carried. Lots and lots of work, sweat, effort. Yet Mary sites on her rear, with the men! It’s simply not done. It’s not her right. It’s not considerate of her sister. It’s not customary. It’s not fair. Yet it’s the ‘best part’.
To me, the evangelicals are Martha’s. They are tirelessly at work. After all, Christ needs the work to be done. He’s commanded it. People need salvation, they need discipleship, ministry. I can almost hear the words to the song, “We’ll work! Till Jesus comes!” And where are the ’fulll-spirited’ folk? They’re laid out in the pew! How can this be ‘the best part’? Doesn’t add up.
Perhaps there was a better time to prepare. Perhaps before Jesus came. Perhaps when he had to rest. But when His Presence is present, that is a time to just sit and soak. Perhaps nothing should deter you – not need, not work to be done. Perhaps no good work should take you from being before His face while He is present at your house. Because, though He was still God, and though He was still present spiritually, He did leave the house for a time.
When He returned, Martha approached and said, “If you’d been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus gave her words. Words that transformed her…taught her…explained, encouraged. Evangelicals are doing this. From His example.
When Mary approached, she spoke the same words: “If you’d been here, my brother would not have died.” What response? Jesus wept. Emotions – deep, tender, holy ones. Then action: Jesus raised the dead!
I don’t know about you, but when I’m in love, I love the words spoken by my beloved. I need reassurance, explanation, encouragement. But the emotion and the action are far more precious to me. That is the essence of love itself.
I believe that is what is happening today. Jesus has given His words. Now we are experiencing again His emotion and His action. Jesus, our bridegroom, is at the door. The door may open any moment and we’ll go with Him. How can we not be excited, jump and run! For now, we are feeling His presence and His emotions.
Can you imagine a bride as she sees her groom approach the door begin to busy herself with the dishes? Pull out the mop and bucket? NO!! She’s waltzing around the room, foolishly accomplishing nothing. But can she help it? Who can blame her? Who can but envy her her height of happiness?
BREAD AND FISHES: Jesus used both. Both are well-received by the starving world. Both bring life and benefit. Bread has been crushed and processed. I see this as many evangelicals. They are the main source of our daily food. Most of the world would starve if it weren’t for the daily bread of the evangelicals bringing the gospel.
But something fishy is going on too. People are laughing. In church! After awhile, that can begin to smell! In church! But the nutrients are undeniable.
THE PRODIGAL AND HIS BROTHER: No denying it – the prodigal son was self-centered. Lived only for Me, only for today. He was drawn to the party life. He, like Mary and the perfume, squandered wealth.
His brother was obedient. Stayed home and worked. Obeyed his dad. Admirable. There’s much work to be done in the kingdom – the fields are white unto harvest. The brother was there for that.
But the Father is throwing a party! He wants both sons there. The one that’s worked and been righteous and the one that’s been a fool. The one who has much to forgive and the one who has little. I appeal to the elder brother: join us at the party, lighten up a little. The Father wants you to rejoice! You’ve worked – you’ll work again. But right now the fatted calf smells mouth-watering. The music is playing. Go ahead, dance! Tomorrow we’ll all – Dad, brother and you, go bring in the harvest. (Now I’m hearing “My Table Is Full, But My Fields Are Empty”) Parties don’t last forever and the wee hours are upon us. Why miss out? And why point fingers because we’re taking advantage of the moment. After all, Dad’s here and He’s smiling.