Renown

I know too many famous people. To be honest, I help make too many people famous. Movies, television, sports, music — I am entertained by all of it. I quote the funny lines from the movies, talk about the great plays, and sing the catchy songs. With this great knowledge of popular culture, I impress my peers and sometimes myself. On the surface, these all seem very innocent. One-liners from the office, Brett Favre's great game, and Creed's comeback tour are fun to discuss, though all for different reasons. But as I prayed this morning, I wondered if I am making Christ famous?

In the book of Joshua we have the story of Israel taking Jericho. However, before they cross the Jordan River, Joshua sends two spies to check the area out. They are hidden by a woman named Rahab and this is what she says to the spies,

"We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below." - Joshua 2:9-11

Before the spies arrived, the people of the land had heard about great things God had done. "For we have heard how the Lord..."

Look at the response, "For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below."

If you know the history, you know that God called the nation of Israel for the purpose of making His Name great among the nations. The people of Israel did not always see it that way. Often grumbling through trials and demonstrating ingratitude for blessings. They even doubted God's word and strength. Despite all the trials and wandering, God's purpose for them was to raise His renown among the nations of the earth. Could it be that our lives are meant to do the very same thing? Could it be that our lives should point to Christ, should make Him famous? Absolutely. Our lives are mode God will use to raise His renown on the Earth. People will know of God before we speak of Him by our lives. It is our lives that will confirm or deny the Christ we preach. Let us work to make God famous.