Ernest Hemingway wrote a complete story using just six words. “For sale:
baby shoes, never worn.” Those few words stir up all kinds of thoughts and
emotions; the sorrow of its meaning, the curiosity to know the full story, and
the admiration of the author’s sheer genius. It’s a simple message with
astounding impact.
A few years ago, while taking a writing course, I had to analyze four
different poems. They were all obscure, but I was determined to expose God in
every veiled line. It was a challenge and I exhausted myself after wringing out
every drop of spiritual meaning I could in the first three poems. Then I came
to the last one entitled “The Bull Moose.” When my assignment was returned, I
was told I had totally missed the symbolism in the fourth poem. The moose
symbolized Christ ... and I had missed the obvious because I was looking for
something more complicated. Sometimes the simplest, most profound things are
right in front of us and we fail to grasp the message because we’re looking for
something more complex. I tried so hard
I missed the point.
Jesus used ordinary illustrations
to get his point across, but the people missed what was staring them right in
the face. He spoke in parables and language they could understand. His words
challenged them with ideas contrary to what they had always thought to be true
and their expectations of who their Savior would be. They made it more
complicated than they needed to. Do we do the same? The simple truth and path
to deliverance was right before their eyes but they couldn’t see past the idea
that God’s Kingdom and its message had to be more difficult. Jesus taught, “Just
believe.”
Jesus’ message is simple, but profound.
Scholars, theologians, and wise men of all kinds have searched for years to
discover God. Throughout history, man
has been on a quest to find answers and peace of mind, setting off on long
pilgrimages to places like Mecca, The Western Wall or Bodh Gaya. It doesn’t
take a lifetime of searching; it takes a moment of pure faith. The greatest
stumbling block to those seeking peace, is the simplicity of salvation. We want
to "do" something to earn salvation, but it’s a gift. Jesus Christ,
God’s son, has already taken our place on the cross and paid the price for our
sins so that we can live with Him forever in eternity.
Do you find God’s Word complicated and puzzling? Maybe you’re trying too
hard and if you open your heart to the obvious message of faith that Jesus came
to teach, you may have more insight. God’s Word makes the message of salvation
easy enough for a child to understand, yet complex enough to give us studying
material for the rest of our lives.
The challenge posed by Hemingway prompted me to try writing my own short
story. It’s a profound message in just six words: “Our Savior died so we wouldn’t.”
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And
this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. Romans 3:22 (NLT)
Written By: Kitty Nancekievill
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