The Repertoire Of The Gospel

I hope that your repertoire of watched movies includes The Mission (1986). It is the story of Spanish Jesuit missionaries working in South America during the 18th century. The opening scenes of the movie shows the first area missionary floating down the river, bound to a crucifix by the natives to which he was ministering. He plummets over the falls to his death and is buried by his comrades as a martyr. A second Jesuit missionary decides to climb the falls for the purpose of continuing the efforts that were suddenly stopped short. Clothed only in monkish attire and a satchel he ascends the falls in his bare feet. Once atop the falls he journeys through the jungle to a small pool where he senses that he is surrounded by the murderous natives. It is this scene next scene which captivated me and through which the Lord spoke.

The Jesuit sits on a large rock near the pool and unfolds his satchel to reveal an oboe. He nervously pieces together the instrument and begins to play a song entitled “Gabriel’s Oboe” - the musical theme of the movie. After moments of playing, the native warriors slowly begin to come forth from their hiding places within the jungle. They sit and listen intently to this strange, but glorious sound. They are captivated and curious. They are drawn and full of intrigue.

In this moment my heart sank. The gospel as I have seen it offered and presented during the last twenty years can rarely be considered as something that intrigues persons, as illustrated in the provided clip. Rather, it comes across as an ideology pitched heavily using sales techniques. It is something that is pushed rather than something that attracts. It is my desire that the gospel in my life and yours regains its melodious intrigue by those who are watching.