No, I didn’t watch the VMA’s, but I did see some recaps of the “performances.” I am, as a Christian man, as a dad (to 2 young men), as a Youth Pastor, and as a human, being deeply disturbed by what has transpired over the past few days.
Sunday was such a great day for my family and my church family. We ended our month-long emphasis on missions with an incredible “International Carry-In Meal,” and then a time of prayer for the over 6,000 unreached, unengaged people groups of the world. My wife, my oldest son and I gathered by one of the banners which had about 100 of these people groups listed on it, and we prayed for them. My heart was broken for these people whom we don’t know personally, who can’t call on the name of Jesus for their salvation because we haven’t gone or sent other Christians to tell them about Him. But my heart was overjoyed as my 16 year-old son prayed for one of these groups where we learned that if it is discovered that you are a follower of Jesus, you are imprisoned and possibly even put to death. He prayed not only for those who might be imprisoned, but for the prison guards and soldiers who put them there, that they might choose to follow Jesus, AND that they might share Him with their own families!
I sit here today preparing a message to share with teens tomorrow night, and I am saddened. I’m saddened by the fact that in my country, the past two days have been consumed with the thoughts and images of a few who choose to show complete disregard for their own lives. I’m saddened that we so quickly throw around condemnation for such acts as were shown on the VMA’s, while our society (both churched and un-churched) continues to support the products as continually advertised. I’m saddened by the way we continue to find “new” ways to justify our actions. I’m saddened that I spend so little time praying for those who are utterly lost to this world, and whose lives seem to indicate that this world is all they have to live for.
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:15-17 ESV
May I (along with those who have given control of their lives to Jesus) be challenged by His words today. Let’s be about feeding the sheep, praying for their salvation and showing His love by all we do, say and live!
Joey
