August 24, 2022 – John 14:12, The Funny Shape of Faith

“The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

“Martin Luther fought to correct a distorted view of God and faith. His namesake, Martin Luther King Jr., launched a civil rights revolution in America. Both of these men had opponents who tried to stop them and their radical ideas, but the movements they started continue on even today. When Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. saw what was going wrong in the church and society, they worked to bring change. With Christ at work in us, we can do the same.”  Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Locations 207-209). Kindle Edition.

Hey Martin, You Clown

 Both Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr were people of revolutionary ideas and movements – and they both changed the world. Oh people tried to put them in their places. Martin Luther had a contract put on his head by King Charles V. Martin Luther King Jr was constantly living within a society who hated him – and eventually killed him. But they both had a higher calling – a calling above the normal calling.

I remember in seminary one of my classes the professor asked us to bring to class a visual image of how we saw our calling. I brought in my trumpet – suggesting I was trumpeting the good news of Jesus, or at least making a joyful noise. Another class member brought in a clown’s nose. He said even if we are making a fool of ourselves (from the perspective of so many), we are bringing the good news of Jesus to the world.

If you feel foolish talking about your faith, join the long line of people who have felt foolish being “clowns” for Jesus – some have given their lives for the privilege of preaching Christ crucified.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, what work will you seek from me that may make me feel foolish or feel really challenged? I wonder how I will handle my enemies and opponents. Today I ask that you walk with me, because I can do all things through you. Amen.

Pastor Dave