Preaching and teaching theocentrically.
Isaiah 42:3 (ESV) “a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice”
“Wow, look at you.” If someone were to make this comment to you it could take at least two completely different meanings. They might say it in a way that sounds like , “Did you have a rough night? Were you run over by a truck? You look awful.” On the other hand it could be stated in such a manner which comes across as “You look amazing. You must be in great shape. You are a wonderful sight for sore eyes.”
Both instances are working from the same exact four words in the same exact order. But both approaches are delivered in completely different ways. One is demoralizing, deflating, discouraging and depressing. The other is encouraging , edifying, uplifting and positive.
In recent memory I’ve listened to two messages in Sunday morning worship services from two different Pastors on Ephesians 5:15-21. Both messages were doctrinally sound. Both messages were delivered by men I love and respect. Both messages reflected the exact same passage, the exact same words written in the scriptures. Both Pastors know the scriptures well and know the Bible is God’s word to humankind. I consider them both good brothers, being used of God in his church.
Yet, after one of the services of worship and the preaching of the word, I left thinking something along the lines of “I’m just not that good of a Christian. Even though I’m a retired Pastor, I’m a failure. There is just no way I can consistently live like the Pastor preached. I’m already tired, bruised and beaten by the circumstances of life. I’m barely limping along and now I have an extra hundred pound spiritual weight on my back telling me what I must do and not do to be spiritual and “walk worthy”. I’m one of those folks who acknowledges the sin in my life that is “ever before me” as the scribe wrote.
After the message from the second Pastor in worship on the exact same passage, I came home thinking “I have a God who is infinite and approachable. He is a God who has worked through Jesus and is working through the Holy Spirit and the church for my benefit and happiness. I’m not guaranteed time or security, but He will continually work for me toward my happiness and eternal joy. It isn’t as much about me as about God working to will and to do his good pleasure in my life through the Holy trinity, the word and his church. I want to continually, happily walk with the Holy Spirit in joy this week. God desires my happiness and I want to live thankful despite all the circumstances around me. I’m so thankful for such a God. It inspires me to use the good things he has created in a manner that gives true and lasting happiness.
So what was the difference between the two Pastors’ approach to the passage? One message was “anthropocentric” in its direction. It was centered on what a person must do to be successfully spiritual. It emphasized one’s personal behavior. In a way it was a “behavior modification” message. There was a lot of preaching on good and bad works with a little of the gospel thrown in for good measure.
The other message was more “Theocentric”, trinitarian preaching centered on what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do for his good pleasure and my ultimate benefit, blessing and happiness to His glory. It was a lot of Gospel, good news, with encouragement to use God’s good gifts in a wise manner that would lead to momentum in a happy walk of faith. It was a humble, understanding and wise message, which took into account the struggles of other believers, the bruised reeds. The message reminded us that the body of Christ has elders who are compassionate to those who struggle and elders who happily come alongside the suffering saint.
Both messages dealt with sin, suffering and salvation, but they were delivered completely differently. Pastors and teachers; let us never underestimate not only the truth but the power of the manner in which we deliver God’s Word so as not to break the bruised reeds in our midst.
My Dad was fond of telling a story about a construction worker who came onto the job site one morning in a very good mood. His friends saw this as an opportunity to “prank him”. So when they each saw him through the morning, they would tell him he “looked pale” or ask him if he was feeling well, and things along this manner. By lunchtime the man left the construction site early because he was feeling sick. Their words seemed to make him sick.
I wonder how many times in the past my teaching broke the bruised reed. Teach and preach the word by all means, but do it theocentrically and wisely so that we may build up the body in love. (Ephesians 4:16). The bruised reeds are counting on you to reflect the quintessential servant, our Lord Jesus Christ.