Every summer movie production companies bank on the fact that consumers love to be entertained. For years, they’ve poured billions of dollars into new stories to capture our imaginations. The twist in recent years is that new stories are not as profitable as sequels and remakes. In their studies of the movie-watching-consumer, they’ve found that we will spend more money and time on stories that are familiar to us… or stories that connect us to something we’ve already experienced.
If you look at Jesus’ teachings, he draws in each listener to an established principle or illustration we can find in farming, shepherding, treasure-seeking. He – like those movie producers – employ that ancient art of the parable. Jesus’ masterful parables often pivot the often-expected focus or protagonist to a new direction (i.e. the Samaritan or an extravagant Father who forgives too much.) When he does this, it’s controversial and exhilarating.
In short, Hollywood spent millions to discover what a first-century rabbi demonstrated each day: every soul longs for its Maker. Such a longing takes shape in forms of elaborate quests, romantic pursuits, dramatic transformations, and epic battles between good and evil. It resonates with us – even those who know the Name of Christ and the great treasure we have found in Him.
So what does this have to do with those belonging to the faith? Simply put, we have a precious Story to tell… and everyone needs it…and to some degree wants it. We should never think for a second that the message of Jesus has an expiration date or has somehow lost its relevance. No, we (like the Apostle Paul) “preach Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 1:20-24) because it’s the central theme of humanity’s existence; we were made by Him and for Him.
Do you know of the great depth and love of the Redeemer? If so, you have His story to tell. Now…who is God laying on your heart who needs to hear it?
Not Just a Corner 