Beating dead horses

by Pastor Tom

“To another [Jesus] said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ Then [Jesus} said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

The Associated Press very recently released a report about a woman in Athens, Georgia and two of her roommates who decided that the woman’s brother was in need of repentance. Since he seemed reluctant, and even laughed when they began praying for him, they opted to hold him at gunpoint until he had a change of heart. When his attention seemed to drift, one of his captors fired a shot into the ceiling just feet from his head. Eventually, he was able to make a break for the door and find his way to the police station. It would seem that God did not see fit to bless the firearm to the head approach to conversion.

It’s always such a treat for those of us who have chosen to be followers of Jesus to see another “Crazy Christian” report in the media. In truth, without meeting any criteria or demonstrating any proficiency or knowledge, anyone can claim to be a Christian, and some of those who do have what we might call issues. On the other hand, there are many more who sincerely seek to follow Jesus and serve others. Their efforts are rarely reported.

Thankfully, most of us do not resort to weapons to obtain converts. But quite a few of us tend to act somewhat desperate. We beg. We plead. We worry more about the uninterested than the interested.

Strangely, Jesus never seemed to dally around with uninterested people. He was pretty blunt and to the point. He never begged anyone. He never acted as though the church and the purposes of God in the world would fall apart unless some disinterested, apathetic person suddenly jumped up to take the reigns. He tossed out the invitation and then moved on. He never even slowed down. Those who chose to follow him had to move quickly just to keep up with him.

I believe God’s invitation is the same today. Jesus invites you to an adventure of service and sacrifice. His claim is that he holds the key to abundant and eternal life. All this can be yours if you say yes to him. If, however, you are content with your life and the direction it’s taking you, and if you believe that you are already reaching your full potential as a human being, then just stay where you are. God’s work in the world will not fall apart because of your indifference to him. And it doesn’t seem, from the example of Jesus, that God wastes time beating dead horses. Relax. Nobody will have to go to heaven kicking and screaming. The kicking and screaming is for someplace else.