When a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a
subject of interest." How do you feel about that statement? What sort
of things peak your interest? Curiosity is a strong desire to see something
novel... How does God make use of natural curiosity?
Matthew 3:4-7, "And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and
a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round
about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism,
he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee
from the wrath to come?"
Curiosity is sometimes the first step that leads us to God. If you really
stop and think about it, John must have presented quite a strange image!
Many people came to hear this preacher who wore odd clothes and ate unusual
food - even for back then. Because of their curiosity in him, a large
number of Pharisees and Sadducees received quite a sermon, amen? Notice
how John specifically addressed them... I would have loved to have seen
their faces! Some people who came to observe John simply out of curiosity
ended up repenting of their sins as they listened to his powerful message.
The human curiosity the set out to satisfy resulted in their souls being
satisfied for all of eternity! Likewise ladies, people may be curious
about your Christian life-style and values. Praise the Lord we don't have
to eat locusts to attract lost people, amen? :-)Though your uncommon,
godly behavior may seem "odd" to others, you can use their simple curiosity
as an opener to share how Christ makes a difference in you!
Let's consider a few more Biblical examples of the opportunities human
curiosity affords...
Luke 9:7-9, "Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him:
and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was
risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others,
that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have
I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired
to see him."
John 12:9, "Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there:
and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus
also, whom he had raised from the dead."
Acts 17:18-22a, "Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the
Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other
some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached
unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought
him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof
thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears:
we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians
and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either
to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars'
hill, and said....."
Luke 8:33-35, "Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the
swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and
were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and
went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to
see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the
devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his
right mind: and they were afraid."
John 4:39-42, "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him
for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever
I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that
he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed
because of his own word;
And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for
we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ,
the Saviour of the world."
In closing, a genuinely changed life makes people highly curious about
the gospel. In our last example, the Samaritan woman immediately shared
her experience with others. Despite her reputation, many accepted her
invitation and came out to see what she was talking about, seeking to
meet Jesus. Ladies, perhaps there are sins in our past of which we're
ashamed... But Christ changes us, amen? Has the Lord been able to use
your testimony to excite curiosity in others, thereby leading them to
the knowledge of Him? If you want others to see what Christ will do for
them, let them see what He has done for you! As people observe these undeniable
changes, conditions in us, like Lazarus, where we were clearly dead but
have been brought to life, they naturally become curious as their interest
is stirred. Rather than dwelling on the past mistakes you've made, why
not use them as opportunities to exhibit spiritual growth and draw people
to Christ! Curiosity doesn't have to kill the cat, amen? It can lead to
life everlasting...
John 12:32, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men
unto me."
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2001 Pamela A. Iannello
