The Original Guerrilla Theater

(Originally published July 29, 2013) I've been studying the prophets this summer and have come to learn how the harsh imagery and strange behavior certain prophets used to preach God’s message was, and still is, considered cutting edge, even illegal in some cases. Isaiah walked around naked for three years (Isa 20:2-3). Hosea married a whore (Hos. 1:2). Ezekiel lay siege to a brick (Eze. 4:1-3). Jeremiah was breaking dishes (Jer. 19:10). 

These prophets challenge us modern preachers not to just stand at the lectern, music stand, or whatever cool preachers use these days. Their “sermons” were alive and interactive. They sent their observers, participants really, home to discuss the meaning of the messages. Participants had to go talk about it in groups with their leaders and peers. Many times the leaders had to go back to the prophets and ask, “What are you talking about?” And let's not forget there were some cases where they were so moved by the messages they murdered the prophet (Luke 11:49-51).

Homiletically and hermeneutically speaking, their messages and presentation, are cutting edge for 2013, let alone centuries before Christ. Rob Bell in his DVD “Poets/ Prophets/ Preachers” called what they did “The Original Guerrilla Theater”. I think God is still calling modern preachers to the shockingly beautiful, provocatively inspiring, prophetically restorative art of the sermon. Nevertheless, I praise God I get to wear clothes and cook my food on the stove.

There are times when I have to do some hard things like move across the country from time to time, or cry in front of people, or show people gross pictures of the inside of my legs to demonstrate God's glory... Honestly, I count it all joy to be able to do so. I think they did also.