Was Crelow A Prophet?
Those of us “of a certain age” probably remember a very funny comedian by the name of Clerow Wilson, Jr. Actually, we probably know him better by his nickname, “Flip.” For some reason, I’ve been thinking recently about one of the routines he did on a fairly regular basis.
In that routine, Flip Wilson portrayed a character by the name of “Reverend Leroy.” Supposedly, Leroy was the preacher for The Church of What’s Happening Now. The information on one source I checked lined up pretty well with my memory of Mr. Wilson’s portrayal. According to it, “Flip Wilson portrays a fast talking preacher who tells the truth, lies, and cons you at the same time.”
I remember laughing (a lot) at “Reverend Leroy” years ago. Part of what made Flip Wilson’s routine so funny was that it seemed so outlandish at the time. I remember thinking then that, surely, nobody could take his act seriously.
It seemed to me then that most people understood that religion was not to be focused upon us, but upon God. A great emphasis was on what happened on the cross, not on current events. Worship was about honoring God, not entertaining people. It seemed to be understood that what was expected of followers of Jesus was service, not serve us.
While I would, in no way, seriously suggest that Flip Wilson was a prophet, I would observe that much of what passes for religion resembles his routine. Also, while I laughed at the routine, I find what I am observing today to be heartbreaking.
During my lifetime, we have increasingly become a consumer society. Sadly, that has spilled over into many religious groups. Many people choose a church based upon what programs, activities, etc. fit their needs. Religious leaders will come into a community and conduct surveys in order to determine what will satisfy the people in that community. They will then tailor their worship, programs, etc. to meet those expectations.
If we would take the time to consult our New Testaments, we might be surprised to find a different emphasis. Instead of catering to people’s desires, Jesus and those whom He authorized to speak for Him unashamedly told people what they needed and what they needed to do. Instead of a focus on such things as entertainment and pleasure, we find that the emphasis was on such things as service and holiness.
What would happen if we were to get rid of “worship services” that resemble rock concerts? What if preachers were evaluated based on their relationship with Jesus and knowledge of His Word rather than their charisma and style? What if the emphasis was on the revealed word of God, rather than the newest theory or fad? What if all who profess to follow Jesus would truly see themselves as the functioning, serving, sacrificing body of Christ rather than people to be entertained, coddled, and satisfied?
What might happen could be that all who claim to be followers of the Lord would actually resemble the people we read about in the New Testament. You do remember them, don’t you? They wore the name “Christian.” They were not members of any church other than the one that Jesus promised to build (Matt. 16:18).
There are many prophecies concerning the ministry of Jesus. There are also a number of prophecies about the relationship that He now has with those who truly follow Him. However, you will search in vain for a prophet named Clerow or The Church of What’s Happening Now.
Instead, what you will find is the One who is, among other things, Prophet, Priest, King, Lord, and Savior. His name is Jesus.
You will also find valuable information about the church that was part of God’s eternal purpose (Eph. 3:1-11). It remains relevant for all time. It does not just address concerns about “what’s happening now.” The doctrine that is taught and the lifestyle that it upholds is “…profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).
Something seems to be lost in all of the excitement and drama of what passes for “worship” today. It also seems to be lost as religious organizations focus on “felt needs” and preach a “health and wealth gospel.”
What is lost (or at least minimized) should cause all of us to do some serious thinking. Along with all of the things that Jesus is, we also read in our New Testaments that, at the end of time, Jesus will be our judge.
Since that is the case, it seems to me that it would be wise for all of us to think seriously about something other than the here and now. On what has often been described as “that last, great day,” those who have ignored or minimized how Jesus wants us to live, worship, relate to others, etc. may not like the answer to the question:
“What’s happening now?”
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
