Dangerous Business
The journalist Dennis Covington wrote a book in 1995 about his time among snake-handling churches in rural Appalachia. He had gone to learn more about the culture and beliefs of these churches tucked deep in the mountains. He was simply there to report what he saw, but the longer he was around the people, he couldn't help but become intrigued to know more. He wasn't drawn to their beliefs, but the energy and passion with which they practiced those beliefs.
I had a Biblical studies professor in college who advised us to “major on the majors and minor on the minors” when we read our Bible; meaning that what the Bible talks a lot about probably is what is really important compared to something that appears only once. Snake handling is very minor compared to some of the other big topics Jesus addresses repeatedly in the Gospels. Many scholars think the end of Mark was a later addition, and that is where we find the reference to handling snakes and drinking poison.
Yet, as Covington lived among this Christian sect, which spent a little too much time majoring on the minors, he learned a profound lesson about faith. He wrote, “My beliefs about the nature of God and man have changed over the years, but one thing never has. Feeling after God is a dangerous business. And Christianity without passion, danger, and mystery may not really be Christianity at all.” ("Salvation on Sand Mountain," page 177)
It is sad that we modern folks have lost the notion of a dangerous and mysterious God in our attempt to rationalize absolutely everything. Many of us come before the Almighty and think of Him as a quasi-Santa Clause or, worse, a heavenly slot machine. Friends, we have attempted to tame God. Thankfully for us, the ancient psalmist helps us reclaim the awe-inspiring nature of God: “His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees it and is afraid.” (Psalm 97:4)
It is good to remember that seeking after the God whose “lightnings light up the world” is dangerous business. Worshiping God is not for the faint of heart. An encounter with the Almighty will always rock our world. And so, I can’t wait to see you on Sunday wearing your best outfit along with a crash helmet and protective goggles.
