November 07, 2005
Tucker's Essay
Now it is my pleasure to share some of Tucker’s work. (This is one of the benefits of having your own website.) This week I’m posting an essay Tucker was assigned to write for his Bible class a few days ago. The pictures are from a photo session for Tucker’s band’s EP. (Okay, so it was really just his mom with a camera taking pictures for a demo they are planning on recording and praying will become an EP.)
Here was the assignment:
The book of Acts tells how the early church began fulfilling the Great Commission. Describe this command (Matthew 28:19-20) in your own words and give examples showing how the apostles responded to it. How are you fulfilling the Great Commission?
Matthew 28:19-20 says “Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all of the commands I have given you; and be sure of this – that I am with you always even to the end of the world”
To me, it seems like Jesus is saying something along the lines of, “Ok guys, its time for you to go out and do what I’ve been training you to do for a really long time. You’re going to need to go all over the world and preach about me and let everyone know who I am. Make sure they all know what to do before you leave that town. Also, if you ever get scared, just keep in mind, I’m always with you.” But then again, that’s probably what I would have said.
One man in the book of Acts who really took that to heart is Paul. It seems Paul’s entire life revolved around Jesus, and it wasn’t in a good way in the beginning. Paul’s original name was Saul. Saul was a very bad guy, so much so, the fact is, when it came to hurting Christians, he would offer his services in any way he could. He even went as far as to hold people’s coats for them during stonings so that they could get a better throw in.
One day, on the road to Damascus, he was suddenly hit by a bright light above him. It really must have freaked this guy out because he got down on his hands and knees! The Lord told him that he wanted Saul to give his life to Him and to be a missionary, and to change his name to Paul.
Now Paul really took the whole “Great Commission” thing to heart. He devoted the rest of his life to it. Let’s just say it really wasn’t an easy job! He was beaten with rods three times, was stoned, shipwrecked three times, was given over for 195 beatings by some Jews, and over all just got the living daylights knocked out of him! I know that, personally, after like one of those things I would start wavering a little when it came to my faith. But Paul persisted and went on four missionary journeys. He ended up being one of the greatest missionaries in all of history.
I have been very into music since I was a little kid. I never actually thought of myself as a musician, but I really liked the stuff. I liked the idea of being able to make people move. Later, I discovered I had been given a gift - the gift of music. After a few years of tweaking my style and picking up various instruments I have finally settled down for a while.
I am now currently in a Bluesy Rock and Roll band named “The Lypton Village.” I am the lead singer/guitarist/piano player/songwriter. Now, unlike most guys (and in some cases girls) that I know, who just want to rock out and have a good time. I am actually planning on doing this for the rest of my life.
When I first thought about starting this band I sat down with the other two members and had a talk with them. What I wanted to do was make a band that would be able to rock out and get people into it, and still be Christians. I wanted to be in a “secular band” and play “secular music” but have Christian infused lyrics. Much like the band U2, who are all Christians but they are a “secular” Rock n Roll band.
One of our songs, especially, is almost directly scriptural. It is really influenced by struggles with God and such. And its one of our best songs! The way I look at it is, I’m trying to bring the Light of Christianity into a place that might have never heard of God, but would love our music. I want to go into the nastiest clubs in the world, to the places televangelist would never consider going, and I want to bring the Light to them, and a message of hope. That is how I think I’m living out the Great Commission.
Posted by weblion at 02:37 PM
