No Lurkers
Originally scheduled for April 8
1
John 4:15 NASB
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in
him, and he in God.
Some people in this world are lurkers: they go
through life without anyone discovering their loyalties, their
affections or even their tastes in food. But there is another type
of citizen of the planet; you know them by sight. Oh, the easy ones
are those who wear the baseball cap with the team insignia on it.
The hat is usually a little sweat soaked and worn, but you know
which team it is. They are not shy about it. Others may be found
wearing the shirt, the jacket, or the parka (depending upon the
sport and the season). If you get the real fanatic, you usually find
they've done a room in the house in the team colors with a fine
collection of pennants, posters and other paraphernalia. Often
enough, their excitement for their team will cause them to be absent
from church throughout the entire season.
Such a person is making what is technically
called a confession: a declaration of belief. Such a declaration is
public — and how — sincere and faithful. Faithful even when the team
is losing. Often enough they have never played for the team; it's
not really a problem because most of us have never played
professional sports, for example. Not many can. But such people set
an example for the Christian: their belief is unmistakably public —
and acted upon. Wearing the team hat is an act of confession.
Communion is a greater confession. It is also a
declaration of belief; it is public and we hope sincere and
faithful. The faithful follower of the team is sometimes said to
have "team spirit." The faithful follower of Christ is promised the
Spirit of God. Indeed, John the apostle tells us that God lives in
him and he lives in God. This is, of course, a much deeper and more
profound form of team spirit.
The question any fan must ask himself is that
of sincerity. Communion commemorates the event of Christ dying on
the Cross. That was hardly a "blazing victory" moment. We are asked
to remember his suffering and death. It is fitting, therefore, that
we should examine ourselves in this matter. Our participation in
communion is public; but is it also sincere and faithful? You will
have to answer that question to your Lord face to face some day.
Perhaps it is best that you find the answer now.
