Thursday, September 20, 2001

Seven years of junior high band concerts. Yes, that was the special joy Karen and I shared since all three of the Hutchcraft kids were in junior high band. Now it wasn't always a supreme musical experience, but, hey, it's our kids, right? Now let's imagine you have never heard of the brilliant composer, Ludwig von Beethoven before. And I say to you, "Beethoven was a genius. His music is some of the most beautiful ever written." You're a little skeptical because you've never heard any of him, but I suggest a way to remedy that. The junior high band is having a concert this week, and they're performing Beethoven's 9th Symphony. So you go, and you come back to me saying, "I thought you said this Beethoven guy was a genius! I just heard his music - it wasn't brilliant." Now what's the problem here? It isn't Beethoven - it's the way that band played his music. Just because they don't play his music well doesn't mean the man who wrote the music wasn't a genius!

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "The Hypocrite Hang-up."

I've devoted my life to telling people about the Genius who can harmonize our lives, who wrote the music that's supposed to guide everything we do. His name is Jesus. But many people - maybe you - can't bring themselves to a point where they will put all their trust in Jesus Christ to be their own personal Savior. And one of the biggest reasons? Christians. Christians who are hypocrites. Maybe some hypocrites you know have been a major roadblock in your considering Christ.

That's why I'm so glad for today's word for today from the Word of God, where Jesus clarifies what, and Who, is the issue in this whole Christian thing. Mark 2:14 , our word for today from the Word of God, "As Jesus walked along, he saw Levi ... sitting at the tax collector's booth. 'Follow Me,' Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed Him."

Jesus sums up here the central decision we all have to make by issuing this clear, two-word invitation that He gave to many people - "Follow Me." Jesus said, "I'm the issue. Make your decision about me." He repeated that invitation so many times and when He was here on earth. And it's His invitation to you and me today. As for those Christians who aren't a very good advertisement - well, they're like that junior high band trying to play that Beethoven symphony. Unfortunately, some of us don't play Jesus' music very well. But that has nothing to do with Jesus. He is still the Genius who forgives our failures and loves us with "never leave you" love, and takes us to heaven when we die.

Jesus didn't say, "Follow My followers," or "follow my leaders," or "follow My religion." He said, "Follow me." The only reason not to be a Christian is if you've got something against Jesus. And there wasn't a trace of hypocrisy in Him.

All that will matter when you keep your appointment with God is what you did with Jesus - His one and only Son who died on the cross to pay - not for His sins - but for yours. Honestly, there is no place to hide when it comes to Jesus. Either you commit yourself to this Man who died for you - or you turn your back on Him and walk away.

It is all about Jesus. And maybe you're ready to surrender all the baggage that has kept you from His love. It's Jesus and you, because it's Jesus you're trusting, not Christianity. Maybe you're ready to begin this relationship you were created for. Tell Him that. And, if you would, let me send you the booklet I wrote about beginning with Jesus called Yours For Life. We'll tell you how to get in touch with us in a moment.

On Judgment Day, it'll be you and Jesus. Today it's you and Jesus. In the words of an old hymn, "What will you do with Jesus? Neutral you cannot be. For someday your heart will be asking, 'What will He do with me?' "