There’s something about how music draws a crowd of people, especially when a live band is performing in an outside venue. It happened to me recently. My husband and I were taking a leisurely stroll in a very popular downtown area and we happened to notice a lively band playing very good upbeat music. They were actually very entertaining which was the reason for the large crowd that was gathered.
It wasn’t long before it was revealed that they were a Christian family band. They consisted of fiddle players, singers, and tap dancers. It was when the leader of the group spoke about God’s love and expressed the plan of Salvation that caused the crowd to disperse. In the two minutes it had taken to share a simple message, most of the crowd had already walked away. I saw them walk away one by one, then in clusters and then it was almost like the group was finished their event for the evening. The only people that remained were the people who were seated in the front section.
As I watched in complete amazement as to what was evidently taking place, I literally laughed aloud. “This is so predictable,” I thought. The people had no interest in hearing the Gospel message even though it was a brief two-minute talk between songs. Secular bands do the same, especially when they change instruments or make other adjustments; I haven’t yet seen a crowd leave.
My thoughts took me to the story of when Jesus was teaching in a Synagogue in Capernaum. Many of the disciples began to grumble among themselves saying, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Consequently many decided right there at that moment to discontinue in the journey with the Lord and turned back. Moments later, Jesus directed an important question to the twelve disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” They didn’t leave; they assured Jesus that they believed in Him who is the true master who holds the words of eternal life. (John 6:60-69)
They were willing to take their stand for Christ. They believed in the Gospel message and were willing to share their faith along the journey and take a stand for Christ publicly. The Scriptures says that since Christ suffered we too must share in His sufferings. Are we willing to stand in the gap and be noticed as followers of Christ and perhaps bear the persecution and verbal attacks? Or walk away and denounce Him? Was the Gospel message from the Christian band so difficult that the hearers could not accept it? Or is the message foolishness to those who are perishing? (1 Corinthians 1:18a) Could it be as Jesus had foretold in His word, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) You see, there was no pretence to the two-minute talk. It was an evening of music and entertainment, which included God’s wondrous story. But the mere mention of the name of Jesus caused most to become uninterested.
As Jesus was explaining to the disciples the promise to send the Holy Spirit in His absence he said, “The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him or knows Him.” (John 14:17) Is that why people walk away? Is that why people cannot accept Jesus’ words of life because they do not really know who He is? Jesus explained further, “Before long the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19) Those who have accepted the word of life, know the road of life.
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, praise God that you bear that name..” (1 Peter4:16)
God gives courage and strength to continue in the journey. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6) Taking a stand for Christ enables the Christian to walk in faith. Even Jesus directed His faith with the Father saying, “I stand with the Father who sent me.” (John 8:16b) What crowd are you journeying with? Are you standing firm in your beliefs and faith? 1 John 2:5b says, “This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” There’s no need to walk away in shame because to those who place their trust in Christ will never be put to shame. (Romans 9:33b)
What can God do for you? “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” (1 Corinthians 1:8,9) Remain in me and I will remain in you.” (John15:4a)
Copyright Jan Keats
September 8, 2008 at 9:16 pm |
I guess if people walked out on Jesus, that puts His followers in good company when the same thing happens to us. May it never be our delivery that turns people away — if we’re speaking His truth in His love, according to His leading, that’s the best we can do.
Christian though I am, I’d walk away from a ranting or angry-sounding speaker, or change radio stations if that was the source. Maybe it’s a Canadian thing, but I don’t like that style.
PS – love that butterfly photo at the top of the page. You’re good with a camera!
September 9, 2008 at 9:27 pm |
Perhaps the idea of religion is a sensitive issue. Religion over time has become so openly diverse that it is difficult to express a persons faith at a public venue affraid of “rocking the boat”, and so some have decided to practice individually and in more private settings. Faith should not be a forced issue and sometimes when it appears a religious belief is being forced the defensive reaction is to walk away. I do not believe that the people who were at the concert were turning their back on God rather they were expressing their right to discover and cherish God in their own way. Like an interest group forces you to see their way religious groups are attempting to force people to express their faith which will ultimately fail. If the music which was christian in topic an in lyric was drawing people in ,then the word of God was spread successfully and in a non threatening way. It is in the form of music that the word of God will be heared.and the two minutes of silence between songs should remain silent. Consequently, the piece is very well written and evoked emotions which brought me closer to my faith, and I love the butterfly too!
September 11, 2008 at 2:44 pm |
This is a very well written article. How true it is that when people,not everyone, hears the name of the Lord spoken in a spiritul sense they back away from the speaker. Alot of people have been heard to say, “that stuff is garbage, its foolishness”, and so on. But it takes a very strong Christian to stand firm in their faith and continue in spite of the hackling and rude comments. There is the possibility that some people have had a bad experience with “Christians”, whether it was their upbringing or a bad scene at the church and they have been hurt very badly so they have lost faith in Christianity and therefore have no time for it. It takes friendship evangelism to get through to people such as this and it takes a lot of prayer and patience. But it is possible. Praise the Lord!
September 11, 2008 at 10:58 pm |
It is a sad situation when people will not hear the Gospel message. I believe that if God does not open the eyes of the unbeliever he or she will turn away.
It is a good story and maybe the contrast could even be more expressed. You say that the secular band is doing the same thing when they have a break (like what …..telling jokes?)
The bottom line is that when we know Christ as our Saviour, our future is secured, even if the journey goes through valleys and over mountains.
Keep telling the world the Good News.
October 12, 2008 at 8:07 pm |
Well done. I’ve seen people turn away at first word about the Lord. It’s as if they are afraid — afraid of the unknown, of stirred emotions, of ridicule. Who knows what fears come to the surface when they hear God’s word spoken. I like to think that a seed might be planted when they hear the Christian music. Perhaps a few words of the message settle on them as they leave the scene. Keep up the good work!