Behind the Sofa

 I saw this bumper sticker earlier today.  It's like another I've seen:  "Look busy.  Jesus is coming."  After a quick chuckle, my pastoral analysis begins, and I "geek out" about theological interpretations of the culture.  While this may be a relatively harmless bumper sticker, it is evidence of a deeper view of Jesus in our culture.  Like the kid who says, "Who's Jesus?  Well, he's that one character on South Park."  

    For many Americans Jesus is a tame, harmless religious figure.  Akin to the Dali Lama.  Like Santa Clause.  A nice guy who espouses rules to live by.  If this was my Jesus, I would not find him very compelling.  And I'd probably find hokey stickers to put on my bumper.  

    I prefer this Jesus:  

-  The manly, kick-butt Ruler of the entire universe (see Revelation).
-  The King who takes a job as a server (Matthew 20:28).
-  The Preacher who likes a good party (Matthew 9:9-13).  
-  The Victor who punched death in the mouth (see the end of all the gospels).  

    I have yet to find Jesus behind the sofa.  

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