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Attraction
- By John Telman
- Published August 27, 2009
- Worship Leader Perspectives
- Unrated
John Telman
John served as worship pastor for the past 26 years in Canada, the United States and Singapore. He is presently the senior pastor of Abundant Life Pentecostal Assembly in Cranbrook British Columbia, Canada. His desire is to focus on and celebrate Jesus Christ. You can visit John on his personal website at: www.trulyworship.com
View all articles by John Telman
When
I first met my wife, I was attracted to her. She has always had a
beautiful smile and inner beauty that I could not resist. She stood
apart from others. You might laugh, but I walked around with her
picture in my hand for weeks. I could not help but want to gaze at her
beautiful face.
Now, compare that scenario to what the Bible says about Jesus: "He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him." (Isaiah 53:3) In fact, some in his hometown said, "Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brother, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us?" (Matthew 13:55,56) The Bible goes on to say that "they took offense at Him". (Matthew 13:57)
Jesus did not "wow" anyone with his looks. He didn't have an image consultant. What did impress people was the wisdom and love that our Saviour showed, which attracted people from all walks of life. As his followers, we should turn our backs on trying to impress with our talent, image, or cleverness. Instead, it should be Jesus in us that attracts people.
Have you heard someone say that the music or preaching or programs attract people to church? Where is Jesus in that philosophy? No matter what we do, we must first do it with humility and, secondly, with the focus on God.
As worship leaders, we have an obligation to have the same attitude as John the Baptist did. "He must increase and we must decrease" (John 3:30) Lives are only changed by the influence of God. Therefore, we make it our purpose to unveil every aspect of his beautiful character. From the choice of songs to our attitude about ministry, we must be careful to point people to Jesus.
"How great is our God? Sing with me. How great is our God?"
Now, compare that scenario to what the Bible says about Jesus: "He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him." (Isaiah 53:3) In fact, some in his hometown said, "Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brother, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us?" (Matthew 13:55,56) The Bible goes on to say that "they took offense at Him". (Matthew 13:57)
Jesus did not "wow" anyone with his looks. He didn't have an image consultant. What did impress people was the wisdom and love that our Saviour showed, which attracted people from all walks of life. As his followers, we should turn our backs on trying to impress with our talent, image, or cleverness. Instead, it should be Jesus in us that attracts people.
Have you heard someone say that the music or preaching or programs attract people to church? Where is Jesus in that philosophy? No matter what we do, we must first do it with humility and, secondly, with the focus on God.
As worship leaders, we have an obligation to have the same attitude as John the Baptist did. "He must increase and we must decrease" (John 3:30) Lives are only changed by the influence of God. Therefore, we make it our purpose to unveil every aspect of his beautiful character. From the choice of songs to our attitude about ministry, we must be careful to point people to Jesus.
"How great is our God? Sing with me. How great is our God?"