I is for Illustrations

I is for Illustrations

In my line of work I deal with theological concepts. It is my job to take theological ideas and concepts from the pages of Scripture and deliver them to the folks of my flock as accurately and with the most applicability as possible. It is not my job to invent or reinvent these biblical truths. I am, as in the words of Dr. John MacArthur, Jr., "merely the waiter who brings the feast of Gods’ word to the table without messing it up."

Sermon illustrations have been around for a long time. Illustrations have been called the “window to let light in” to many of these complex concepts. The Free Encyclopedia defines illustrations in this manner:

“An illustration is a visualization such as a drawing, painting,

photograph or other work of art that stresses subject more than form.

The aim of an illustration is to elucidate or decorate textual information

(such as a story, poem or newspaper article) by providing a visual

representation.”

Unfortunately, many pastors utilize their wives and children as sermon illustrations. No matter how many times they have been told that this practice often leads to the extreme embarrassment of their families, many pastors persist. Irregardless of how plentiful and readily available the “illustrations” may be, it is insensitive, at least without advance permission to include a wife or child’s latest gaff, sin, failure, or personal struggle in a Sunday sermon.

So agree the ladies from a Florida church. They put together a parody of a Carrie Underwood song called Before He Cheats. Their parody is called Before He Speaks and I think is an apt example of a work of “art that stresses the subject and decorates textual information with a visual representation in order to serve as a window letting light in on this touchy subject." Don’t you agree?