She came out from behind her table.
Took two quick steps and was standing right in front of me.
“Can I ask you a question?”
That was a question but I assumed she meant another one.
Of course.
Ask away.
I’d just performed at a large ministry conference.
Festive wouldn’t overstate my emotional state of being.
“Did you share Jesus with the audience?”
No.
She didn’t know this because she had been busily tending her booth in the exhibit hall.
“Can I ask why not?”
That’s three questions now.
It didn’t occur to me to offer an alter call to a room full of ministers.
Sort of figured the word was out on Jesus.
And besides, I was hired to be funny.
“But you don’t know who in that room might not know about Jesus!”
Her first statement.
And she was right.
There’s no way to tell whether or not my audience knows Jesus.
“What if someone gets in a car accident on the way home?”
“They might die and you didn’t offer them Jesus!”
That sort of thing happens all the time.
People snatched from God’s salvation by freak accidents seconds before His grace can reach them.
At least she wasn’t asking questions anymore.
For a welcome change of pace, she was now hurling accusations.
I hadn’t realized the eternal implications of my little comedy skit.
The fate of every soul in the auditorium was in my hands.
But what about those souls who weren’t in the auditorium?
What about the booth vendors in the exhibit hall?
Her neighbors!
Had she shared Jesus with the missionaries at the table across from hers?
Had she shared the gospel with the Bible translators at the next booth over?
No.
She hadn’t.
What if these people died in a car crash on the way home?
It didn’t dawn on me until later that I should have shared Jesus with that lady.
Jesus who said, “Come to me when you’re tired and I will give you rest.”
She was obviously very fatigued.
Taking personal responsibility for the salvation of all mankind is exhausting.
I can’t do it.
That’s why Jesus did.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28
4 Responses
To quote a very wise man, “a yoke is not a hammock.” Yet, you did your work with your show. The Holy Spirit takes it from there.
Pointing fingers is always a problem for me. My kids would remind me there are always 3 pointing right back at me! That’s 3 times the responsibility. Did I do my part? I try to keep my finger pointing aimed at myself.
Very good points. Why is it always the responsibility of the person on stage or podium or pulpit? Are we sharing Jesus in our day to day live or always expecting a pastor or performer to do it for us?
Yes, you’re so right. Fear and guilt are not what we’re called to. He finished the work and called us to rest in Him. If Jesus didn’t tell you to give an altar call, guess what?