It is of no surprise that many folks are very passionate about various issues dear to their hearts. I have an uncle and late aunt that are very active in expressing concerns about the environment and feminine issues facing our communities. Depending on who you speak to, you may find a person extremely concerned about abortion, poverty, marriage, or some other major issue. Are these things important? Absolutely. Sometimes we are pulled in so many directions, you wonder which has a higher priority or should demand our devotion and resources. As we engage the many concerns facing our world, it boils down to a central thought worth considering. As a follower of Jesus, what or who should be my focal point of devotion and passion?
A few years ago, a team of representatives and ambassadors traveled from the United States to a few third world countries on a mission of peace and mercy. The team faced some difficult and sensitive matters that were of great political concern surrounding human rights and wrongful imprisonments. The first nation visited by this delegation involved the team’s members speaking firmly and boldly to the national leaders about the human right’s violation. Their passion was not unwarranted, yet was this the real central issue to be discussed? The team left the country disappointed because they had no success in resolving the serious issues. The team got together and discussed what needed to be done differently before they visited the next country. A former representative of Congress suggested for the team to redirect their focus from the violations and injustices towards a Person. Some disagreed but after further explanation and discussion, the Congressional member in charge of the team took the advice to refrain from talks about the injustices and focused the talks on Jesus of Nazareth. The team arrived in the country to speak to the next ruler. Nothing was said about the issues, but Who was discussed was remarkably received. “We come as a team who loves Jesus of Nazareth and desires to love others in His name.” The leader wanted to know more about Jesus of Nazareth and they engaged in a lengthy discussion about Jesus and the love He demonstrated to His neighbors. Nothing else was discussed other than Jesus. The team was about to exit when the leader suddenly asked about the people that were being held in his custody. He went on to say that they would be released. Complete success by the delegation, yet not by their own power, but in the power of the name of Jesus.
The issues that we face as followers of Jesus are very important and must be addressed. Nevertheless the greatest issue we must agree upon is the Personhood of Jesus of Nazareth. We begin the journey of knowing Him, following Him, experiencing a love for Him which provides us the basis to address these heartfelt needs and passions. In His name we encounter all the power of the deity and godhead to meet any request or need we face. Here we find the centrality of our attention being in Christ and coming to meet our neighbor’s needs of the burdened and heavy laden through His very Presence.
What will you say when faced with the opportunity of speaking to a king, ruler, or president? How about a family member, friend, boss, or co-worker? Is the central theme I am going to speak about is what is central to my heart, Jesus of Nazareth?
This is not some sort of suggestion that the issues facing our nation or world are not important and urgent. Rather as a follower of Jesus we march forward in His name, then reach out with a cup of water or a bandage for their wounds through the love of Jesus and not self. Let’s labor together in the love of Jesus as we love our neighbor. Let’s continue together in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 3:16
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.