Another Look at Being Blinded by the (Wrong) Light

 

By Jim Faughn     Some who read this may have read a previous post of mine that dealt with what I believe may be a danger for those of us who preach and teach God’s word. The short version of what I wrote then is that there is the possibility that the fact that we are often “in the spotlight” can distort our message, our lives, and our eternal destiny.      This post is intended to “shed some light” (pun intended) on another dangerous issue. There are those who attempt to influence others by dazzling them with their personalities, their oratorical skills, impressive Hollywood style productions, and a host of other things. Those who experience their presentations are usually impressed with just that – the experience. When all of the theatrics and “fluff” is stripped away, there is just not much of a message at all. What may pass for a message is actually an effort to make the messenger look good and/or to make the hearer feel good.     You may remember an account from the Bible about a situation somewhat like that. You can find it recorded in Acts 12:21-23. A ruler known to history as Herod Agrippa I, but who is referred to in this text merely as Agrippa, was no friend of the early Christians. As we begin reading Acts 12, we find information about him having James, the brother of John, killed and having Peter imprisoned with the intention of also killing him.     As we come close to the end of the chapter, we read about a speech that Agrippa made. Interestingly though, we do not actually read about the speech. Instead, we find some information about how he looked and the impression that he made on the people.     All that the Bible tells us about is the appearance of Herod Agrippa as he spoke and the effect his appearance and presentation made on those in attendance. The text informs us that he was “…arrayed in royal apparel…” (Acts 12:21).     The Jewish historian, Josephus, provides more information. According to him, on occasions such as the one recorded in Acts 12, Herod wore a special garment made entirely of silver. He would position himself in such a way so as to reflect the rays of the sun and impress people. Apparently, as the sun rose, this reflection was extremely effective and, as the sun continued on its course across the sky, the color, intensity, etc. of the reflection would change and continue to impress.  If, in fact, this was the “royal apparel” worn by Herod on this day, it may go a long way in explaining why the people said, “…It is the voice of a god, and not of a man” (Acts 12:22).     I suppose that it could be said that this was the forerunner of present-day “light shows.” Then, as now, people seemed to be much more impressed with style than they were with substance. Just as speakers can be blinded by the spotlight, hearers can be blinded by nothing more than dazzle.       You may remember that things didn’t turn out so well for Herod on that occasion, though. As Luke continues his inspired narrative in Acts, we read these words: And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. (Acts 12:23) We may not expect God today to punish in such a dramatic way those who are more interested in impressing people with themselves instead of encouraging them to honor God. At the same time, we can rest assured that… …God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5) Before we leave out consideration of Acts 12, we need to think seriously about these words; But the word of God grew and multiplied. (Acts 12:24) That information reminds me of something found in The Old Testament: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)     The focus must never be on us. Things like notoriety, popularity, acceptance, acclaim, and even monetary gain will mean absolutely nothing when we stand before the One who said twice, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5).  All of us – especially those of us who preach and teach – would do well to remember that.     Those of us who listen to preachers and teachers need to do all we can to make sure that our lives are guided by always the consistent  “…light of the glorious gospel of Christ…” (2 Cor. 4:4) and not by something as inconsistent as a reflection that changes with the movement of the sun.

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith.