SCANDAL... redeemed!

"What does it matter?  Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice."

(Philippians 1:18)

A few years ago, Hillsong produced a very powerful song, 'HEALER.'  It speaks of how God is everything one needs - and can heal anything (or anyone) who's broken, sick, etc.  In the height of the song's popularity, scandal broke out.  The man who wrote & performed the song (a Church leader in Australia) needed an oxygen tank to sing it, as he was suffering from a debilitating & life-threatening disease.  It was quite moving to hear his testimony & see his determination to praise God in the midst of his challenges.  What was scandalous, however, was the shocking realization that he wasn't really sick at all... he was making it all up for effect!  Not only that, but people had been giving him donations to help with his medical bills & treatment.  Ouch.  Fraud.  Manipulating & misleading the faithful for personal gain.  Yikes.

I remember feeling guilty still liking the song.  As if the sin in which the song was birthed was supposed to negate its message.  But I couldn't help it.  It was a great song ("I believe You're my healer.  I believe You're more than enough for me.  Jesus, You're all I need!").

In my reading today from Philippians 1, Paul gives me permission to not feel guilty about this song!  He was writing to the believers in Philippi, telling them his recent imprisonment has actually given him MORE opportunities to share the gospel with others!  Not only that, but other people have been proclaiming the gospel in an attempt to prolong Paul's suffering.  I don't know the details, but Paul assures us that their hearts are NOT in the right place.

"BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER," Paul continues.  Whether God is proclaimed through pure or impure motives doesn't matter.  The bottom line is that GOD IS PROCLAIMED.  Period.  God is big enough to use whatever testimony is made to change hearts!

So it's okay to like the song, "Healer."  Who knows, God might even heal the one who took his name in vain by creating this song in deception?!  For Jesus is indeed more than enough for us all.  (Amen to that!)

Sphere of Influence

"The King of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, 'There is still one other by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies anything favorable about me, but only disaster.'"

(1 Kings 22:7-8)

King Jehoshaphat of Judah & King Ahab of Israel are debating launching a war together.  They asked the prophets of God, who all gave their blessing.  Wanting to make sure they've done their due diligence, Jehoshaphat asks if there was any other prophet who can seek God's wisdom?  "Yah, there's Micaiah.  But I hate him.  He never has anything good to say to me!" the king replies.  (Hey, at least he's honest!)

When the king's servant goes to bring Micaiah, he tells the prophet to give the king a favorable prophesy (which makes you wonder if the other were similarly "coached" beforehand?!?).  Before the two kings, Micaiah initially agrees with the other prophets.  "Go ahead.  God will bless you."  That's when Ahab lays into him.  "How many times have I told you to ONLY TELL ME THE TRUTH!?!?"  So Micaiah gives him the truth.  It will all end very badly.  Don't go to war.  Send the soldiers home.

For his truth, Micaiah is "rewarded" with imprisonment.  And reduced rations.  ("Didn't I tell you that he never says anything good about me?" says Ahab.)  Great.  So much for being a prophet with integrity.  Look where that leads.

As I think about this story, I see the immense pressure that people of influence have by others with MORE influence.  I've heard that many politicians begin their careers with high ideals and dreams of really making positive changes.  As time passes, however, they see how things actually get done.  Connections.  Alliances.  Favors.  Pay backs. Inevitably, corruption creeps in.  It's easy to condemn politicians... but this story says that we religious leaders can be influenced just as negatively - if we allow it.  Micaiah stayed true to his calling, despite the pressure.  Deep down, King Ahab knew.  He knew Micaiah had a connection to God.  And Micaiah stayed true.  He maintained his sphere of influece. 

May the same be said of me.  Help me, Lord!!!