2 May, 2024

On Being Targeted

by | 23 October, 2023 | 0 comments

By Doug Redford 

“Targeting” is a prominent area of concern in football nowadays. The word describes a tackle that allegedly “targets” an opponent’s head or neck area. Fears over concussions and subsequent head trauma in players have resulted in penalizing such tackles. In some cases, the penalized player is disqualified from the remainder of the game or the next game.  

Christians have always had a “target” on their backs, if not from the culture, then certainly from Satan. He has not changed since the time that Peter described him as “a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Peter knew that truth all too personally for he had once been addressed as “Satan” by Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23) and had been told by Jesus of Satan’s desire to sift him and his fellow disciples like wheat (Luke 22:31-32). Jesus warned his followers that such targeting would occur. He told his disciples, both then and now, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).  

But Jesus had his own targeting to accomplish during his ministry. God alluded to this when he addressed Adam, Eve, and the serpent (Satan’s tool) following the first couple’s act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden. He spoke to the serpent of how the descendant of the woman would eventually “crush your head” (Genesis 3:15), implying a mortal wound (consider it spiritual targeting). This descendant, Jesus, came to inflict that wound. John wrote, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). That act of destruction occurred, with divine irony, at the very place where it appeared that Jesus’ work had reached a tragic end: at the cross. The writer of Hebrews said that by Jesus’ death he broke “the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil” and also freed “those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15).   

This brings us to another “target” that Jesus had in mind: lost humanity—including every one of us gathered here. As passionate as Jesus was about destroying one individual (Satan), he was that passionate and more about rescuing countless numbers of the lost (Luke 19:10). At Communion, imagine Jesus’ words in the upper room being “targeted” directly at you: “This is my body given for you” (Luke 22:19). “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (v. 20).  

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come. 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., is seeking a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. Impact Christian Church (Moon Township, Pa.) looks to hire an executive pastor. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

Lincoln Christian Institute Will Continue after LCU Closes (Plus News Briefs)

Lincoln Christian University shared a lengthy post on Facebook about their plans to continue the Lincoln Bible Institute even after LCU closes at the end of May. . . . Also briefs from Milligan University, Delta (Colo.) Christian Church, Financial Planning Ministry, and obituary information for Jonathon Roy Stedman.

Follow Us