I once talked to a spoken word artist named Brett. His primary performance consists of reciting the entire book of Mark from memory, without props or any additional aids. Mark’s Gospel is considered to be a masterpiece in literary circles, and Brett delivers its story to mainstream audiences with careful emphasis, colorful inflection, and varying pace. He spoke a couple of his favorite passages to me. It was mesmerizing.
What was interesting, however, was that Brett wondered whether “a pastor or priest” should accompany him on his performances. I asked him why. “Well,” he said, “so many people come to me after the show asking spiritual questions and looking for guidance. I just don’t know what to do with them.”
There is something special about the Bible, isn’t there? God uses it to reveal Himself, and to provide guidance for directionless lives.
The church in Ephesus also needed direction. The Ephesian believers were struggling with both liberalism and legalism (1 Tim. 3:2-3, 4:1-4), and unfortunately it was the elders who had most gone astray. They were getting drunk, violent, and greedy (3:3); some were teaching error about the resurrection (2 Tim. 2:18), and about marriage and food (1 Tim. 4:1-4). In the midst of such chaos, Paul directed his apprentice Timothy to live and teach God’s Word. Scripture alone provides the grace that legalistic consciences need and the standards that libertine lifestyles require. As my friend Brett discovered, the modern secular heart needs direction too. He spoke forth the gospel story, and hungry hearts lined up for guidance.
The Word of God addresses the needs of the heart, correcting error and fulfilling emptiness. Today, may His Word correct the waywardness of our own souls. Let’s share it creatively with a world looking for answers.
More:
For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12).
Next:
How are you encouraged by Brett’s story? Who will you creatively share God’s Word with today?
lazarus on April 16, 2009 at 7:05 am
I really enjoyed this devotional. It touches on a theme I’ve been working with myself for a while.
Legalism and liberalism without direction, without standards or conscience is what is really driving this country into the ground.
We need to stop letting the immoral and the greedy tell us what to do. We need the Bible and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
We need to start electing more true, believers.