Burma Shave Signs for Jesus?

Thursday 8-6-15 (Clermont, Florida suburb of Orlando)

Scripture reading:  Hab 1 – 3    John 8

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Hab 2:2  Then the LORD said to me, "Write my answer in large, clear letters on a tablet, so that a runner can read it and tell everyone else.  NLT

O.  God suggests that the prophet write the words in large letters so that a person running by could get the message.  Of course, since the message was long it would have to be a series of signs with part of the message on each.  God wanted even the people that were hurrying by to get the message.

A.  Rapid communication is becoming big business today.  Everybody is running.  Only a few want to slow down enough to read a whole chapter of the Bible. 

I am reminded of many years ago when my dad was teaching me to drive in his 1931 Ford with a real electric starter.  (Meaning you didn’t have to hand-crank it.) Back in ‘them-good-ole-days’ Burma Shave had a great marketing idea.  They posted a short funny poem in a succession of small signs along the highway.  Our whole family would read them aloud as we passed by… and the final sign simply said “Burma Shave”.  For example: “These Signs -- We Gladly Dedicate -- To Men Who've had -- No Date of Late. -- Burma-Shave.” They were always good for some laughter… and left us looking forward to the next series of signs down the highway.  And although I never purchased Burma Shave, I never forgot the name.

P.  Lord, You know that we live in a day of reckless speed.  So how about inspiring some brilliant young Christian guys or chics to come up with a clever way to present the truth of the Gospel for people that are on the run.  They might even do it in a way that gets the message across in a non-offensive way… maybe even with a touch of humor?  Lord, You told clever stories and captured Your audiences.  Seriously, Lord, I ask You for gifts of spiritual creativity to be placed in the hands of dedicated, young marketers… and why not Assemblies of God youth?  And maybe they could be so subtle that they could become popular and acceptable even among non-believers and in Muslim countries.  You know me, Jesus.  Just dreamin’ again.  Amen.

Ralph