For a long time, I have been very concerned about preaching that focuses exclusively on those with the most dire circumstances. They talk of the miracles of deliverance from drug addiction, prostitution, and all number of horrendous conditions. The Gospel, for these, is a message of hope in a hopeless situation. They can see the ugliness all around them, and following Christ means replacing despair with expectation and confidence.
But there is a larger problem, sisters and brothers. There are millions of men and women who don't see ugliness all around. Instead, they see a long and stable marriage; good kids growing into respected adults; earning a fair wage through hard but honest work. In short, while the drug addict realizes that he needs help, the regular Joe has no clue. And absent this recognition, he never turns to Jesus.
Mark 2:17 [NKJV]
When Jesus heard it, He said to them, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.
No man will be convinced by rational argument that he has fallen short of the true standard of holiness. Only a miracle can cause him to be receptive. Only a miracle will soften the heart that hears and believes. For those that are God's chosen, this is the most amazing and wonderful gift: a heart that realizes that it needs a savior.
Be encouraged,
Jose
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