The Big Disconnect

Long years ago when I was under the appointment of the Bishop, I was sent to a church which was troubled in many ways.  Some told me they were only waiting for a few more families to leave before they joined the growing exodus.  Another greeted me with the words, "These people are not looking for a new preacher.  They are looking for a savior and you better be him."  Fortunately, I was young and green which made me brave enough to foolishly tread boldly forward.

 

The truth is that no one really feels a need for a Savior these days.  There is a sense in which we are forever young enough to think that we can do whatever needs doing all by ourselves.  Here in is one of the great disconnects of the Christian faith.  Every year we hear we remember the words of the angel who told a bunch of shepherds, "...to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  (Luke 2:11)  It is received as a nice feel good story that brings completion to a very busy season known as Christmas.  But, it is hardly a word which is received as one which describes our human condition.

 

The Sacred Word announces a Savior, but it seems that no one has a need for one.  Somewhere along the way we have lost the sense of being lost in our sins.  Somewhere we have come to the conclusion that there is no problem we cannot solve, no trouble which cannot be overcome, and no dilemma so great that outside help is needed.  So, we close our ears.  Jesus is not really accepted as the Savior we need because to accept Him as such means acknowledging and confessing that there is something fundamentally wrong within us that we cannot handle.  It is unthinkable conclusion for modern believers.  But, though regarded as  unthinkable by some, it is necessary to really live.