messenger
16 - 01/26 /11:18
According to the New Testament Gospel of Mark, God sent the messenger, the one Old Testament prophets said would prepare the way for Messiah. Strangely, God’s messenger was sent into the wilderness—an area devoid of people.
Sociologically, the forerunner of Messiah ought to have been sent to where the people were. Many churches today are preoccupied with sociology; how to gain an audience, how to attract a crowd.
Sociologically, the forerunner of Messiah ought to have been sent to where the people were. Many churches today are preoccupied with sociology; how to gain an audience, how to attract a crowd.
Super Bowl Sunday 2023 a mega-church had their pastor swinging on a wrecking ball in their auditorium, ala Miley Cyrus' 2013 music video. Interestingly, last year Ms Cyrus lamented her wrecking ball performance, “I’m never living that down,” she said “I will always be the naked girl on a wrecking ball. My worst nightmare, is that video being played at my funeral.”
Regardless of Ms Cyrus’ regrets, a mega-church thought it a good idea to have their pastor mimic her swinging on a wrecking ball. Well, whatever attracts a crowd.
Soteriology is the focus of the New Testament; the study of salvation—the good news of divine rescuing humanity from curse of death. Soteriology is vastly different than sociology. God’s rescue of humanity began with John the Baptist appearing in empty places. Its culmination was Christ’s triumph via death on a Cross. It continues with God choosing and using the poor instead of the rich or influential.
When God acts people are attracted.
Instead of being sent to the crowds thronging the courtyards of the Jerusalem temple, John the Baptist appeared in the empty wilderness. And to that empty wilderness crowds of people—both rural and cosmopolitan—were attracted. That’s soteriology.
John the Baptist preached repentance. He did not validate people. He did not offer self-help techniques. He did not call for revolt. John’s message was “Repent!” That’s soteriology.
And John promised something more. “After me comes the One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” ~
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard