From behind the pulpit

Does standing behind a pulpit make a message or sermon any more important or significant?  On a recent Sunday night, the youth minister did not preach from behind the pulpit.  He stood on the same level as the congregation.  His reason was: he was more comfortable speaking.

Jesus spoke to people where ever He found them or where they found Him.  Jesus' "pulpit" might have been a quiet garden or a small boat just off the coast.  The message was more important than where it was delivered.

The message should always be the most important thing.  Without the message, there is no possibility of change.  Without change, there is absolutely no possibility of salvation.  We must hear the message for it to have an affect on our life.

The pulpit is a piece of furniture that has absolutely no power to bring salvation to a person.  The pulpit is a tool: hold a Bible to be referenced, hold message notes to be easily seen.  A tool assists in completing the job being performed.

He looked like what?

I recently overheard a heated discussion about what Jesus looked like.  One person's argument was the Bible did not describe Jesus.  This is a true statement.  The Bible does tell His lineage and where He lived His life.  Therefore, we should be able to assume His appearance based on these facts.

But is Jesus' appearance as important as his life and purpose?  Should His looks have any affect on our response to His message?  Is salvation based on His hair being a certain color or style?  Is our relationship with Jesus' formed and nurtured due to the clothes He wore?

A person's appearance does not have any bearing on salvation or one's relationship with Christ.  Jesus did not care about people's dress, lineage, or history.  Jesus saw people's spiritual need instead of their need for new clothes or a haircut.  Jesus knew a person's physical and spiritual needs would be met when they accepted Christ.

In today's society, looks, beauty, and wealth seem to indicate one's worth in society.  Jesus uses none of these to determine a person's worth.  His message is everyone is of worth as God's creation and is worthy of being saved.