The Secret Message of Jesus
I have started reading a new book. Brian McClaren writes honest books that are more about answers than about questions. So far I have only read two chapters of this latest book but I have to say I have not been so challenged about the reality of Jesus ‘EVER’. McClaren is reminding me of all the reasons I signed up to follow Jesus 20 years ago. Before I got ‘churched’ where I learned about a private and personal Jesus. As an evangelist that is who I have told people about, one you died for mine and your sin. McClaren is reminding me that I wanted to believe in a Jesus who said stuff about all parts of my life, not just personal discipline and behaviour, not just doing good things and serving others. He writes “I’ve become convinced that although Jesus’ message was personal, it was not private. I’ve been convinced that it has everything to do with public matters in general and politics in particular – including economics and aid, personal empowerment and choice, foreign policy and war.” That is the Jesus I signed up to follow so I read the book with renewed excitement and enthusiasm to follow and Jesus that makes a difference to the world.
I agree it’s a very good book, especially asking questions about what is the kingdom of God, or the economy of God, or the dream of God… but that would be spoiling later chapters