Tell Us About Your Friend

March 13, 2023

When I read through the books of the Old Testament prophets, especially Jeremiah, I’m struck with how hard their job was. God called them to tell people that they were sinful and needed to make radical changes in their lives. The message would not have been liked!

You’ve probably had days when you thought this country and this world were “going to Hell in a hand-basket,” as the old saying goes. What if God told you it was your job to stand on a downtown street corner and shout that to everyone going by? The prophet’s job was not only to do that, but to specifically enumerate the sins of the community. Some unsavory jobs are compensated with high salaries, but this was unpaid. Prophets were shunned, beaten, and sometimes imprisoned.

We back away from even talking about church in public. We are called by God to “go to all the world and make disciples of all nations.” We are called to serve, just as much as the prophets were, just not necessarily to the downtown street corner. We ought to at least be willing to share something spiritual with family and friends. If we’re not brave enough to take a step in that direction, we could start by at least leaning forward.

What’s the worst that could happen? Somebody might frown, they might insult you, you they could back away from being your friend. You could even feel embarrassed. The Old Testament prophets would laugh at what we are afraid of.

Worse yet, and maybe best of all (!!!) would be the accusation that you are a friend of Jesus.

“But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;” I Peter 3:15 NRSV