We continued our Battle of the Sexes series this weekend. Just thought I'd share a thought and a story. If you want to read the entire evotional--email version of weekend messages--you can sign up @ www.theaterchurch.com/evotional.
I think a lot of our confusion about masculinity traces back to our view of Jesus. I think the church, by and large, has celebrated his feminine qualities and ignored his masculine qualities. In the words of Patrick Allen, Jesus is portrayed as a bearded lady.
Jesus was a man's man. He's the masculine prototype. If only guys knew that they didn't have to look outside the church for adventure or check their masculinity at the door. Look at what Jesus did with his twelve disciples. They went places, met people, and did things they never would have dreamed of--the ultimate adventure! That is what happens when you follow Christ and live by faith.
One of the great challenges men face is managing their aggression. I think Jesus gives a way to channel our aggression for godly purposes. You can feel the channeled aggression in Matthew 11:12:
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold it.
I think those of us who practice Christianity in 21st century America don't really appreciate the bravado of our spiritual ancestors.
How many Christians have never even heard of Polycarp?
Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna in the second century. Tradition has it he was discipled by the apostle John. When Polycarp was eighty-six years old, he was arrested because of his faith in Christ and told to recant Christ. Polycarp said, "Eight-six years I have served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"
The proconsul then ordered him burned at the stake.
According to ear witnesses, as Polycarp walked into the stadium in Smyrna, there was a voice from heaven that said: "Be strong, Polycarp, play the man."
That is precisely what Polycarp did. He counted it a privilege to share in the sufferings of Christ. The something miraculous happened. According to eye witnesses, when they lit the fire, the flames engulfed him but didn't burn him--almost like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In fact, instead of the smell of burning flesh there was a sweet aroma that filled the statium. It took an executioner stabbing Polycap to end his life.
Does that send tingles down anybody else's spine?
Play the man!
I think a lot of our confusion about masculinity traces back to our view of Jesus. I think the church, by and large, has celebrated his feminine qualities and ignored his masculine qualities. In the words of Patrick Allen, Jesus is portrayed as a bearded lady.
Jesus was a man's man. He's the masculine prototype. If only guys knew that they didn't have to look outside the church for adventure or check their masculinity at the door. Look at what Jesus did with his twelve disciples. They went places, met people, and did things they never would have dreamed of--the ultimate adventure! That is what happens when you follow Christ and live by faith.
One of the great challenges men face is managing their aggression. I think Jesus gives a way to channel our aggression for godly purposes. You can feel the channeled aggression in Matthew 11:12:
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold it.
I think those of us who practice Christianity in 21st century America don't really appreciate the bravado of our spiritual ancestors.
How many Christians have never even heard of Polycarp?
Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna in the second century. Tradition has it he was discipled by the apostle John. When Polycarp was eighty-six years old, he was arrested because of his faith in Christ and told to recant Christ. Polycarp said, "Eight-six years I have served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"
The proconsul then ordered him burned at the stake.
According to ear witnesses, as Polycarp walked into the stadium in Smyrna, there was a voice from heaven that said: "Be strong, Polycarp, play the man."
That is precisely what Polycarp did. He counted it a privilege to share in the sufferings of Christ. The something miraculous happened. According to eye witnesses, when they lit the fire, the flames engulfed him but didn't burn him--almost like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In fact, instead of the smell of burning flesh there was a sweet aroma that filled the statium. It took an executioner stabbing Polycap to end his life.
Does that send tingles down anybody else's spine?
Play the man!
11 Comments:
Mark,
Inspiring thought this morning!
What are your thoughts on "playing the man" in regards to being a husband. Only reason I ask, as I pursue getting married and praying to meet someone, I ask the Lord the steadfastness in sticking to a belief--esp. spiritually speaking. When is it ok compromise on a belief--esp when it comes to nitty gritty of denominational/doctrine based beliefs. How to "play the man?" I hope that question makes sense.
Also, I tried to the link to the email version of the message, but the link didn't open up. Couldn't get on www.theaterchurch.com either. Don't know if it's the computer I'm on or what not.
Stan
Stan,
I flesh out "play the man" in my evotional this week. I issue three challenges: quit sitting, quit hiding, quit blaming. Those are the three mistakes that Adam makes.
We've got some issue with our web host, but it should be fixed soon...If you sign-up before Tuesday at noon you should get the evotional via email.
Mark
"Play the man!" - I love it. Makes me want to walk up to random guys and declare it while shaking my fist in the air.
That's such an inspiring story, from a female perspective! It's encouraging to know that there are guys out there who are willing to stand up and be men, not what the church typically tells them to be!
Play the Man! Thanks for the great thoughts. If vacation plans change... come hike with us!
Hi Mark,
I've heard this idea before that the church has celebrated Jesus' feminine qualities and ignored his masculine ones, but I'm not sure I understand it.
What feminine qualities have we focused on and what masculine ones have we ignored?
Chris,
Might be worth reading the evotional--I elaborate a little bit more.
We tend to focus on compassion, mercy, grace, etc. I think they are more comfortable qualities. And we sort of gloss over Jesus throwing down in the Temple, callling the Pharisees a brood of viper, etc.
I think we underestimate how competitive and aggressive Jesus was. And therefore we underappreciate the way he channeled his aggression for godly purposes.
Mark
Mark,
As I understand it, the further story of Polycarp is that as he was burning, he held up one finger to let people know that Jesus was sufficient. As the burning continued, he held up two fingers to denote that Jesus was "more than sufficient."
More tingles down the spine. huh?
I really thought about the Jesus as a bearded woman idea and it may be true, but only in predominantly white churches.
I fleshed out my thoughts a little further here.
Mark, I am so blessed reading your teachings. I have contacted my local bookshop to get your books. They have to order it. We will soon be stocking your books in our Church bookshop.
Keep inspiring the Body of Christ - you are reaching us even in Ireland,Europe.
Keep staying fresh!
Pastor Anthony Joseph
Thanks Anthony.
And one of my goals is to get to Ireland sometime in the next couple years...hope we cross paths here or there...
Mark
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