Growing up I was a big U2 fan. I loved their early music because the lyrics were filled with themes from the Bible. As they became more popular and it seemed they became more political. Then I saw them win a Grammy award and was shocked at the language Bono used. Call me a prude or whatever, I judged Bono for his salty language. I got in an argument with a friend in Seminary about this. He said that was just the way of Christians in Ireland. I didn't buy it. God has a way of smashing the box I have Him in. I confess, I am amazed at how He uses people that I discount. Shame on me! This summer I read this article in World Magazine. Look at this quote from Bono:

"Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: He was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says, No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: 'I'm the Messiah.' I'm saying: 'I am God incarnate.' . . . So what you're left with is either Christ was who He said He was--the Messiah--or a complete nutcase. . . . The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me that's farfetched."

Wow! He goes on to say this:

"That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge," says Bono. "It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."

Sounds to me like Bono knows the Jesus I know. Last week Bono was invited to speak at the National Prayer Breakfast. Check out what he said here. Why would a rock star be invited there? Because Bono lives out his faith! He travels around the world trying to reach the 1% of the world that if forgotten. He quotes from Matthew 25:40 where Jesus mentions the least of these. Bono is friends with Jesse Helms and Bill Clinton. He has rubbed shoulder with the Pope and Mick Jaggar. He has helped people in Africa without clean water and stricken with AIDS. Too many times we as followers of Jesus are too busy nit-pickin people for their language and their methods. I think we should watch what we say, but I think Jesus is going to judge us for what we do. Are we just giving money for missionaries to do the work or are we going to be the hands and feet of Jesus? I am challenged by Bono and pray that I will listen to his example and my wife's heart to be the hands and feet of Jesus right here where we live!