“He has told me,
‘My Grace is all you need, because my power is perfected in weakness.’
Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses,
so that the Messiah’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
I am now in a sixth decade of my faith journey with Jesus. I have a fairly extensive perspective and experience in church life and the way “church” has slowly evolved over the past half-century. My earliest memories of “church” are of a rather humble space, with a pulpit and an old upright piano with several keys missing, some hymn books to share, and the pastor/greeter/song-leader/announcement-giver/daddy(all one and the same….including janitorial clean-up afterwards).
I don’t miss those days, but I do miss some of the simplicity and authenticity that was inescapably present, whether welcome or not.
Today’s “church” experience now commonly includes a stage, musicians, lighting effects, clear sound-system quality of everything unfolding on the stage, and visual displays that not only help the congregation easily engage, but people, via media in their own homes can participate in what is happening on stage. Technology, artistry, visual effects, talented musicians and speakers are all part of the stage experience.
And in the majority of churches, the stage is set for the purpose of presenting Jesus.
Paul shares a perspective that seems incongruent to most of our experience. Paul knew well the “higher-level” things of life. Power. Authority. Fame. Influence was his. Paul had held a powerful position in the eyes of his own people, as well as in the eyes of the Roman Empire that ruled his nation of Israel.
The “Stage” in Paul’s message became “Weakness.” Paul himself was that “Stage” upon which Jesus had stepped . . . as “Center Stage” of Paul’s life. (Remember, Paul had literally fallen off his stage (and horse) at the height of his fame and power.)
God’s Power became Paul’s new reflective identity. Laying flat on his face in the dirt, blinded and unable to do anything about it, Paul had his “Moment of Truth” with Jesus, in a very personal way. His previous “M.O.” dissolved. His “Stage” became dust. What “was” . . . was no more. His new “Stage” was a life of total submission to Him.
And that is the Favorite Stage upon which Jesus Himself chooses to step into the Spotlight. . . for a watching, waiting world to experience the “ONE and ONLY” . . .
Light of the World.
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