Showtime

There's no business like show business. - Irving Berlin

I recently made a remarkable discovery about myself. It seems that (and you may find this hard to believe) for 50 years now I’ve been in show business…yep…show business. April 23 marked my 57^th year on this planet and 50 years of following the Messiah.

My wife and kids would tell you that I have a flair for the dramatic, that I do, and say things that border on the dramatic side. Maybe it’s my artistic side or just that I’m a crazy man…I’m not sure. I like to think it’s because I’m like the Father. I think God has flair for the dramatic and for the spectacular.

I like to connect with God by water…primarily by the ocean. However, the Hudson River is a great substitute, especially since we are far from the ocean here in Hyde Park. Over the years I have found a few isolated areas by the river that I love to go to and be alone at. As I was trying to do some sermon prep time this past Friday, I found myself getting frustrated because every access to these spots were closed off because of construction or unknown reasons. I had to settle for a backup… a pond in the middle of a meadow…I was not happy. As I pulled into the parking lot to this little park and stepped out of my car, I was met with an explosion of beauty. It seemed like every song bird in the world had gathered there to greet me. I paused, sitting on the hood of my car, listening to the concert prepared for me.

All this time I didn’t realize the playfulness of God in “thwarting” my plans for the day or how I would orchestrate our time together. He wasn’t blocking access to himself…he was wooing me with beauty to connect with Him in a new place. God can really put on a show! I think it’s out of this heart we need to operate. In others words…

A disciple needs to invest in show business.

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,(8) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Titus 2:7-8

Lately, I have been challenged about being a follower of the Messiah more than any time in my life. I’m wondering what 50 years of me following Christ looks like to other people?

When Jesus gives the call to come follow Him, it’s an invitation to Show Time, it’s a casting call to fulfill the role we were designed to play. That role is to go into all the world and make disciples. Our lives are designed to change the lives of people, to make an impact of eternal worth.

Powerful stuff…show business… showing people the way to the Father.

During His days of ministry on the earth, Jesus preached the gospel to multitudes of people, however He spend the bulk of His ministry time with just twelve men. The funny thing is that Jesus didn’t concentrate on improving the skill sets of the disciples. He concentrated on changing their hearts. When He did that…gifting and talents were released. They were being prepared for ShowTime…showing how their lives were different because they were with the Master.

By the pond He spoke these words….

“Prepare to have your heart enlarged.”

There is a season of heart enlargement coming for me and for the Church; I believe it’s a good thing. I shared this prophetic word in my church this past Sunday and I believe it challenged us all. The power, grace and love He wants to show through His sons and daughters will show the world His true heart. I wonder…

What do you think about being in “Show Business”?