The Hubble telescope was first carried into space on a shuttle mission in 1990. To NASA’s chagrin they discovered it was out of focus, and in 1993 replaced a mirror to make it work properly so we can appreciate the sharply focused images. But focus is important in more areas of life than telescopes. All who must wear glasses appreciate its value. In sports or work we find that those who focus on the goal tend to succeed. And in God’s church it is no different.

Recently we started a series on 21st century church problems, noting that these problems arise from within three broad categories: Focus, Form and Function. Everything starts with focus, “the central point of attraction, attention or activity,” because it is the key. We can get the form and function right, but focus on the wrong thing. If we get the form and/or function wrong it is because our focus is off. No matter what direction we face there are problems for the church if our focus isn't sharp and on point.

Since all problems start with the wrong focus, what is the proper focus of the church? One word is the answer: God. Unless we accept God as the central point of focus for the church problems will always arise.

When Jesus asks the disciples “who do men say that I the Son of Man am?” in Matthew 16:13 – 20 the exchange with Peter is instructive about the focus of the church. Peter’s answer identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and Jesus agrees with him, saying that on that Rock He will build His Church.

Notice that the church began with the deity of Jesus - God in flesh. He was the rock upon which the church would be built. The idea of Jesus as the foundation rock runs throughout the Bible starting in Exodus 17:1-7 (cf. 1 Cor. 10:1-4). 900 years later Daniel revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a rock cut out without hands that grew into a great mountain filling the whole earth as the Kingdom of God (Dan. 2: 34-35, 44). In Matthew 7:24-25 Jesus said the wise man would build his house on the rock of His word. See also 1 Cor. 3:10-11 and Eph. 2:19-22.

Peter builds on the rock theme in 1 Peter 2:4-10, introducing a phrase that further explains the focus of the church. That phrase is “the people of God.” Looking back to a messianic passage in Hosea 1- 3, Peter is talking about people who previously did not belong to God, were scattered across the world and outside God’s mercy, but now belong to Him, brought together in mercy through Jesus Christ. The idea of God’s people flows through scripture starting in Ex. 3:7-10, going through God’s promise to David (2 Sam. 7:5-16), through the prophets (Is. 2:2-4, Jer. 31:31-34) to the very end of time (Rev.21:3). God is the focus of His people.

In 1 Pet. 2:9 they are called “His own special people,” indicating ownership and bringing us back to the promise of Jesus, “on this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). As the people of God, built on The Rock, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus, He is our focus.

“But, wait,” some will say, “Since Jesus died on the cross to save us, doesn’t that make us the focus?” That is a very good question, and the answer is found there in 1 Peter. “But you are a chosen generation, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may PROCLAIM THE PRAISES OF HIM who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Later Peter says “that in all things GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever” (I Peter 4:11). Finally, the celebratory song of salvation in Ephesians 1 shines its light on the glory of the God who saved us by reminding us three times that it is all “TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY.” It really doesn't look like the spotlight is on us, so let’s stay focused on Him.

James McClenny