Messiah's misfits

One of my memories of growing up was listening to brass band cassettes that my grandfather had received from Uncle Rog in England. These recordings were usually of British radio programmes such as Listen to the Band.

I sometimes have a bit of a chuckle when brass band people try to convince us that banding is popular or that there is a revival of interest in brass banding. The simple reality is that we get a mere 1 hour of banding per week on our radio and that is on two of the lowest rating radio stations in Melbourne.

However, thanks to the wonders of technology, we can listen to programmes from the other side of the world streamed on the internet. Today, as I have been working on a balance sheet and profit and loss statement I have had headphones on listening to the afforementioned 'Listen to the Band' programme on BBC2. Cory & Black Dyke massed bands played the magnificent 'Elsa's Procession to the Minster' which, incidentally, our own Preston Band used to play when we were more than a quartet!

My interest in brass bands compared to society's lack of interest reminds me of this verse in the Bible: "It seems to me that God has put us who bear his Message on stage in a theater in which no one wants to buy a ticket. We're something everyone stands around and stares at, like an accident in the street. We're the Messiah's misfits." 1 Cor 4:9

Christians & brass band people both tend to be misfits in the eyes of the world. As Salvos we are double misfits I guess. Being a Christian often feels like trying to sell tickets that no one wants to buy. It can be tough. But Paul, who wrote this verse, was part of a group of people that had a massive influence in the world, even if at times it didn't feel like it to them. So, even though it often feels as though we are swimming against the tide we need to continue to be faithful in spreading God's message to those who need to hear.

God, help me to be faithful in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.