Getting Personal with the Gospel

One of my first jobs was as a shoe salesman at Foot Locker. I loved sneakers and basketball gear so the job was not really a ‘job.’ One of the things you’ll notice in a Foot Locker is the basketball hoop up by the register. Whenever someone ‘significant’ from the sports world came in the manager would have them sign the backboard. (I remember trying to get my manager to let a big time hip-hop artist to sign our board, but to no avail.) At any rate, the celebrity would sign the board and then mark their visit to the store. Other stores and business do the same type of thing.

The response to seeing such a signature on the board was to feel somewhat important or at least distinquished because of the visitor. Even if you were not working that day you would feel some sort of identity to the visit of this guest to your store.

In thinking about the visit of visits, the guests of guests, I think a little too much like a foot locker guy and not a personal recipient of grace.

The Personal Nature of the Incarnation
Jesus did not come in just a general way. He did not just impact society at large but rather individual people. He impacted and still impacts me. His mission is intensely personal. The benefit that I receive is utterly personal. I receive personal mercy, grace, love, care, righteousness, protection, help, understanding, promises, hope, and on and on we could go. And now I am indwelt by the personal God, the Holy Spirit.

I can very easily get comfortable slipping into a impersonal understanding and practice of Christianity. But the gospel blows this up on my lap! The whole point is that God has dealt so lovingly and graciously with me in Jesus. I loose the heart-pounding delight and intimacy when I forget the abounding grace and reconciliation that comes through Christ.

My Sin Punctuates Grace
Furthermore, I am not an good candidate for love. I am a perfect candidate for grace but not for love, and for the same reason: I am unlovely and unworthy. That is, I am needy.

Jesus’ personal and intimate rescue, recovery and restoration of someone like me actually is punctuated by the fact that I am an unworthy, helpless sinner who was actively involved in undermining the glory of God. The fact that I am a sinner makes this intensely personal and powerful work of Jesus truly jaw-dropping.

So shame on me and all other Christians who find ourselves content on a general, back-board signing visit to this world by Jesus. No it is far more. He has come to us individually and done the necessary heart work. He has given eyes to see his glory and a spirit to enjoy it. Our whole existence is bound up in the marvelous work of powerfully personal grace.

Possibly Related posts:

1. I Need a Fresh Swig of the Gospel Tonic
2. Our Dilemma, Need, & Humility. Let this gospel sing and sting you.
3. You Need More than Just Data in Preaching the Gospel to Yourself
4. If you don’t get questions about works and grace then are you preaching the gospel?
5. Corrections on Personal Corrections (Augustine)

2 Responses to “Getting Personal with the Gospel”

1. Barry says:

   June 22, 2010 at 1:22 pm

   Nice analogy bro. May the guest of guests continue to write his signature on my heart and mind, and the gospel to destroy my lackadaisical attitude and impersonal practice of a Christ-centered life.
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   June 22, 2010 at 1:41 pm

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