Einstein said, “Imagination is the highest form of research.” A bit of an overstatement, I guess. But if you do a google search on the word, imagination,  you’ll quickly see how important imagination is to our world.

But our question is, Is imagination important to our sermons and communicating God’s Word? As you can see from the title of this blog, my answer is a resounding, “Yes.” Let me give you an example.

In Luke 22:39-62 Jesus tells His disciples, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (v. 40).

Our exegesis might delve into the meaning of prayer. You might say something like: “Prayer is asking God for something you desperately need, but can’t get for yourself.” Exegesis might also explain the way prayer protects the Believer from temptation.

Enter imagination.

“Imagine all the temptations you did not face because you prayed to God.”

Or…

“Imagine how the details of your day changed because you prayed to God for protection.” (the assumption, of course, is that God might not only protect you through temptation, but also cause circumstances to occur in such a way that you avoid a temptation)

Now, let me ask you, what does this exercise in imagination do for our listeners? What does imagination do that exegesis doesn’t do? In this case, imagination moves me to wonder and praise and thanksgiving. Watch the expression on your congregants’ faces when you include imagination. The exegetical facts don’t do that. They’re necessary, but not enough.

Before Sunday, see if there is a place where you can let your imagination take the sermon places where exegesis can’t. Imagine that your imaginative exegesis moves them to worship.

Preach well for the sake of God’s reputation in the Church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21).

Randal