By David Faust
Do you ever shake your head and sigh, “Why is this world such a mess?” Do you wish everyone would just get their act together and do what they’re supposed to do?
Moses complained about leading the rebellious Hebrews through the wilderness. Elijah wallowed in self-pity and wondered if he was the only one left who cared about God. Paul expressed frustration with the Corinthians’ immaturity, immorality, and divisiveness. Jesus’ adversaries made him angry and “deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts” (Mark 3:5).
Life would be easier if everyone was mature, wise, and gracious. But people aren’t that way, and serving God isn’t easy.
It’s no surprise when firefighters smell like smoke. Emergency room doctors get blood on their scrubs. Shepherds get manure on their sandals. Parents of newborn babies change a lot of diapers. If you expect to stay neat and tidy while serving God, you are in for a big surprise. Ministry is messy.
The Messiah Amid the Mess
Jesus didn’t shy away from messy situations. He got his hands muddy to help a blind man. His feet got wet from a tearful woman who used her long hair as a towel; and another woman messily anointed his feet with expensive perfume. Most people avoided tax collectors, but Jesus went out of his way to socialize with them. He touched “untouchable” lepers and fed hungry listeners who walked away when they found his message hard to accept.
Jesus faced criticism, skepticism, and false accusations. His disciples engaged in petty squabbles, and enthusiastic but misguided fans wanted to make him king but didn’t realize what it meant to make him Lord. His teaching was interrupted by sick people demanding miracles, eager children seeking attention, curious questioners looking for answers, and hateful enemies trying to discredit or destroy him. He took time to help a scary, ghoulish fellow who was possessed by demons and lived in a cemetery—and restored him to health and freedom.
One day when Jesus was teaching in a crowded house, things got messy when four men tore a hole in the roof. The men used ropes to lower their paralyzed friend on a mat down into the room. Jesus’ teaching was disrupted, the crowd got dirt on their heads, and the homeowner suddenly had an unplanned skylight in his roof. But Jesus used this messy situation to demonstrate his divine authority to heal and forgive.
Our Messes
I pray for opportunities to interact with seekers and unbelievers, and the Lord answers by bringing me into messy situations. I visit a grumpy non-Christian in his 80s who swears a lot and complains about living in rehab. I meet with a 21-year-old man whose body, mind, and relationships have been damaged by poor choices and drug abuse. A middle-aged divorcé claims he’s not a believer, but he asks good questions and attends a small group that meets in my house.
I wish the world weren’t such a mess, but I’m glad the Messiah is willing to make himself at home in unpleasant situations, no matter who made the messes. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Mark 2:17). In this world of sin and sorrow, we get to be spiritual EMTs, bringing fellow sufferers to the Great Physician.
Personal Challenge: Pray for opportunities to interact with seekers and unbelievers. Ask the Lord for wisdom and strength to deal with messy situations so you can be an ambassador of his grace and truth.
Excellent article by David Faust.