Preaching

     The longer I do it, the more I wonder if people really want to hear it—preaching, that is. I was just a kid, when the Holy Spirit made my calling—to preach the Gospel—clear, and I have never, ever doubted it. I must admit that, even though it seems that most really have no passion for the Gospel, I still love to preach it. I suppose if I had no audience, I would preach to the trees or to the birds, but I would preach, and you can take that to the bank! There is something deep within my soul, maybe it is called “passion,” that stirs me to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, and I have the feeling that this “passion” will live in me forever.
     Having said that, it seems reasonable to me that you can see why I am concerned about the apathy I see, the indifference I witness day after day and week after week. Oh sure, a “dog and pony show” will, probably, always attract the masses but the preaching of the Gospel only attracts a few—a precious few. Now, I am not surprised at this because the Scriptures make it clear that the Gospel is offensive—very offensive—until, well until, He decides to make it attractive. What concerns me is this: there are many who have found it attractive, who have embraced it whole-heartedly, and who have enjoyed it to the fullest, BUT for some reason their “passion” has waned (decreased, diminished) severely, as is evidenced by their lack of enthusiasm.
     This lack of enthusiasm is so obvious that I wonder how anyone could miss it! Sadly, most believers regularly choose, almost, anything, even a “dog and pony show,” over the hearing of the preached Gospel. All it takes to create an excuse is a football game, a family reunion, a hard week at the office, the grass needing to be cut, guests coming to visit, or a late Saturday night party. Maybe, I am just different (strange, weird) but I think most folk would be surprised, if they should keep a record of just how often in one year they choose something else over the preaching of the Gospel.
     Now, I want you to know that I try really hard NOT to look to others for affirmation, especially regarding preaching, because I know that that will only lead to disappointment, even major depression! Somehow, I know (really know) that His calling and His affirmation are enough—more than enough—and I want to keep it that way. EVEN SO, the emotions I have to deal with, when I see people, whom I dearly love, choose to place such little value on the preaching of the Gospel, are very difficult—disappointment, hurt, anger, frustration, weariness, bewilderment, and futility, to name a few.  I wish I could get past them but, so far, I have been unable to do so!
     There is another side, however, and it is this: the thrill I get from watching those, who have a genuine hunger and thirst (even passion) for the Gospel, faithfully come and eagerly listen, wanting one-more-time to hear that old, old, story, is far greater than any other thrill I have ever experienced. Roller coaster rides, quail-rises, catching a huge salmon, hitting a home run—nothing compares to it.
     Maybe, all I am trying to say is this: to those of you who continue to love to hear that glorious story of Jesus and His love, let me say, “Thank You!” from the bottom of my heart! Trees and birds would have to do but how thankful I am for those living, breathing, human beings, who cannot wait until the next “preaching day!”