Sometimes I worry that because the good news of the gospel is so familiar to us, that we've lost it's power. Have we made it ordinary? A part of our lives that we know, but keep safely tucked away, careful to not let it disrupt our daily life too much? Or maybe something that has simply become so familiar to us that it's lost it's magic?
A few weeks ago I attended a concert with a friend. And as I sat there enjoying the music, I found myself lost in thought as I watched those around me. From the opening notes to the close, I saw a communal joy everywhere I looked. People dancing freely, even when they lacked objective skill. People smiling warmly at those around them, embracing, laughing.
A crowd of strangers, from all walks of life, representing a diverse array of opinions and perspectives, all drawn together by one simple thing: a love for the music. And the music was able to do a beautiful thing, and a rare one, these days. The music opened people up to a communal joy.
And I found myself wondering, when was the last time that I saw a group of people, strangers especially, experiencing that type of communal joy & acceptance?
Our word "gospel" comes from the Old English godspel, literally meaning "good message" which was derived from the Greek euangelion, or "good tidings." Now mostly associated with Christianity, the term gospel wasn't really a religous declaration at all. Instead, it has the historical connotation of a royal, victorious proclamation, news of one kingdom overtaking another. A messenger, racing back to his city to declare victory.
This is the purpose of the book of John. John himself is a messenger, racing back to the people, declaring that light has found victory over darkness. Life has overcome death. The kingdom of God has overtaken the kingdom of darkness.
Because John knows that it is true. He has experienced it. And once you've experienced this gospel, you cannot keep it to yourself.
When I was a little girl I remember my mother telling me about her excitement when she first experienced Jesus. She was overcome by an undeniable joy that she couldn't help but share with others. Do we feel that same joy from Jesus? That same energy?
As John begins to record Jesus' interactions with his first followers: Andrew, Simon, Philip, & Nathaniel this desire is on full display. Each disciple encounters Jesus and is compelled to go immediately and to share their experience with a friend. It is too powerful to hide. It is too powerful to keep to oneself.
The gospel should be something that is so transformative in our lives that the joy it brings bursts out of us, pouring out on those we come into contact with. And when we come together communally to worship, all drawn there by the power of this gospel, shouldn't we see joy undeniably present?
After all, it is this joy & love that draws the world to God, right? It isn't our good theology or clever arguments. Jesus says as much in John 13. How will they know you're my followers? How will they know that you reflect the Father, here on the Earth? Because of how well you love.
Worship is meant to be a celebration. It is a gathering of messengers who have all seen the power and victory of God in their lives. Unified in love and the joy that brings. Messengers who know that His kingdom has come, that He has defeated death itself.
What a shame that sometimes we find more joy in an ordinary concert than in a worship service.
Because there is nothing ordinary about the gospel.
Gospel of John on the Pod!
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