crucifixion

The Holiest of Weeks

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We’ve just walked through Holy Week. The last week before Jesus was crucified. It got me thinking. What did my week consist of? I bought groceries. I went to the meat shop. I did laundry. I had two chiropractor appointments. I volunteered with my Awana group at church. I went to a senior dinner at church. I attended the Good Friday service. What exactly was holy about my week?

And then I think about the week that Jesus had. It was a busy week for him. Jesus was well aware that his life was on the line. Oh. I’m not talking about his sacrificial death to redeem us from our sins. I’m talking about the threats he received from those who led the political and religious happenings of Jerusalem. His teachings had stirred up the leaders who secretly met to plot his death.

Jesus and his disciples had spent much time traveling and teaching in what could be called modern day Jordan. It was an area outside the reach of the powers of Jerusalem. There he could continue the final days of his ministry at a safe distance from where the events of the final week would occur. I guess this week could be considered the calm before the storm. I wonder if the disciples sensed a shift in his mood. Were they aware how close they were coming to the end of his earthly ministry? Or, were they all caught up in teaching and performing miracles that they didn’t realize what was ahead? It wasn’t as if he hadn’t warned them. But since his words were cloaked in mystery, they didn’t quite understand or believe him when he told them of what he would face.

As Jesus and his disciples began their trek into Jerusalem in preparation for Passover, he kept his ministry low-key. He avoided crowds, because he didn’t want to be spotted. So, when he returned to Bethany, he stayed with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Yes, this was the Lazarus who Jesus had earlier raised from the dead. They were close friends, and Jesus knew he needed to prepare for the path that was ahead for him. He was close enough to the epicenter of Jerusalem, yet far enough to rest in peace and quiet.

The thing is. He didn’t have to head into Jerusalem. He knew that’s where the events to end his life would take place. But he walked head on into the next week with his head held high. He walked into that week knowing that he was the Son of God, and he would fulfill his Father’s plan for his life. Even when it cost him his earthly life. He didn’t back down from what lay ahead. He didn’t try to take the easy way out. He surrendered to his Father’s will.

Palm Sunday. Jesus had instructed his disciples to have a donkey prepared for him to ride into Jerusalem. As he rode down the streets that first day of the week, the crowds waved palm branches and threw down their coats for the colt to walk on. They did this in submission to him. They recognized him for who he truly was. The long-awaited Messiah.

And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9

House Cleaning Monday. Have you ever walked into a room and saw something you never expected? That’s exactly what happened to Jesus the day after the people recognized him as the Promised Messiah. Vendors were desecrating the Holy Temple. They had set up stalls and were selling their goods in the place where the Scriptures were read and discussed on the Sabbath. In the place where people came to offer sacrifices, the religious leaders had allowed commerce to replace the sacred call to worship.

Jesus knew that faith wasn’t a commodity to be bought on a Monday. He knew there was a better place to set up a farmer’s market than the Temple. It was with a righteous anger that he overturned the tables of those exchanging money. And with holy authority, he spoke words that dug deep into the hearts of those who heard. They knew exactly what he meant, and they knew their greed had been exposed.

He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Matthew 21:13

Teaching Tuesday. Jesus had once again spent the night in Bethany, but then returned to the city the following morning. He again went to the Temple, where he had serious debates with the Pharisees and Sadducees about many issues. He talked about taxes, and he challenged them as they questioned his authority. He shared parable after parable with the crowds, and he prophesied about how the Temple would one day be destroyed. The Sadducees questioned him about the resurrection, and Jesus silenced them with his wise response. When the Pharisees learned the Sadducees couldn’t trip up Jesus, they came and questioned him about which of the commandments was the greatest. At the end of the day, the religious leaders were quieted by his wisdom.

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet. Matthew 21:45-46

And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:46

Betrayal Wednesday. It was Wednesday when the scene began to shift. Things took a serious turn when Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples specifically chosen by Jesus, arranged a meeting with the chief priests. I wonder if they had any suspicions about his intent when we came to them. But he opened with the door they were looking for to take down the one who always bested them with his exact teachings. They finally had an opportunity to remove the threat to the control they wielded. Oh. It wasn’t about their faith. That wasn’t even a thought. It was revenge.

They had found a traitor from within the inner circle of the man they hunted. I’m sure they rubbed their hands together with glee as they plotted his takedown. The mark was now in sight. They no longer had to hunt him down or try to trick him into blaspheming himself. One of his own had just handed him over. But what this traitor didn’t know at the time was that he had just sold his own soul to the one who could never offer redemption.

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:14-16

Maundy Thursday. Jesus wanted to celebrate the Passover dinner with the Twelve, so he instructed some of them to make the arrangements for the meal. And in that upper room, as they sat and feasted, he took bread and broke it. Telling them the bread was broken in place of his body. And the wine they drank represented his blood that would be spilled. He then washed their feet in reverence and humility, showing a true servant’s heart. Oh. He told them that one who sat at the table with them would betray him. In disbelief, eleven had the fright of their lives. The twelfth one knew he had been outed. He left quietly to fulfill his plan of betrayal.

After the dinner, Jesus took three of his disciples with him to the Mount of Olives. He was greatly burdened because he knew what was ahead for him that very night. He asked his disciples to pray with him. They fell asleep instead.

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39

But the night wasn’t over just yet. As he was speaking to the disciples who were with him, Judas appeared with temple guards. Judas leaned over and kissed Jesus on the cheek to show that he was the man who should be arrested.

Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Or Friend, why are you here? Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. Matthew 26:48-50

After seizing Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the guards brought him before Caiaphas and the entire council. They were looking for false witnesses who would testify against Jesus. Of course, they found a couple of men who were willing to say anything. But Jesus didn’t respond. He kept quiet when they pressed him. And then when Jesus did speak, they accused him of blasphemy. Now. They could finally sentence him to death. This was what they had been waiting for for so long. In the middle of the night, without any rest, Jesus was forced to stand trial for crimes he didn’t commit.

But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are; the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Matthew 26:63-66

Good Friday. As soon as it was morning, Jesus was bound and turned over to Pontius Pilate, who was the governor. It was the custom to release a prisoner at this time during the Passover celebration, so Pilate thought he might be able to maneuver his way into releasing Jesus. Because. The thing is. After questioning Jesus, he realized the man was not guilty. He hadn’t committed any crime. And when he asked the crowds of people which prisoner should be released, he gave them an option. Jesus or Barabbas, a violent murderer. But the crowds had been manipulated by the religious leaders. And they wanted Jesus to pay. With his life. So they yelled for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be killed. Those who just days earlier bowed in awe at the Promised Messiah now wanted him dead. Oh. How the tide had turned.

Pontius Pilate’s wife had warned her husband to have nothing to do with Jesus. So, in an act of resignation, Pilate got a bowl of water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. As if that act alone could release him from the guilt of sending an innocent man to his death. And he submitted Jesus to the crowd’s demand for death.

The soldiers stripped Jesus of his clothes, beat him and shoved a crown of thorns on his head. Then they handed him a cross and demanded he drag it up the hill to Golgotha where they would hang him on it. Weak from the beating and loss of blood, Jesus could barely walk, let alone carry a heavy wooden cross. In a last minute effort to relieve him, someone was selected to carry his cross. But no one was hammered on the cross in his place. He hung on the cross and died in front of a small crowd of witnesses.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

As his body was taken down before the Sabbath began, a follower of Christ stepped up and offered his tomb where Jesus’ body was placed.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:57-60

Holy Saturday. It was a quiet day. It was a holy day. The Sabbath. No work was done. No celebrations. On that day, Jesus descended into Hell to proclaim victory over death. And he proclaimed freedom for righteous souls.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which the Spirit, in whom he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they did not formerly obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 1 Peter 3:18-20

Easter Sunday. Then came the morning. Day dawned and the stone rolled. Not by the strength of man, but by the power of God. And as two disciples ran to the tomb in the early morning hours, they stood in disbelief at what they saw. An angel stood by the stone that was no longer blocking the entrance. And when they looked in the tomb, it was empty. They ran to tell others. And later, Jesus appeared to a dazed Mary Magdalene who, in her confusion, didn’t recognize him. Until he spoke her name. Then she knew exactly who was standing there in front of her, alive as could be.

Jesus had risen from the dead and had walked right out of that tomb. That tomb that had held his lifeless and torn body overnight was suddenly empty. Jesus is alive!

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7

Oh. There is much more to this story than what I’ve shared here. You can read the details in Matthew 21-28.

Some may wonder why I’m writing about this scene of events when Holy Week is ending. Honestly, it never crossed my mind last week to consider the events of this week in such detail. But it did this week. And I bet I’m not the only one who didn’t think of it. It’s easy to overlook the happenings of someone else’s bad week unless we see it in print or photos or read about it. But this bad week in the life of Jesus of Nazareth proved to be the best thing that has ever happened for those of us who come behind.

We are now offered redemption for our sins, because Jesus paid the price by dying on the cross. In order to receive the free gift of eternal life, we must die to ourselves and receive his forgiveness.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

It is Finished

~ mercyfortheday ~ 2 Comments

I recently learned that someone I know will soon be losing their job. Having been on the receiving end of such news more than once myself, I know the pain they’re feeling. I understand the deep feeling of loss and holy anger at being forced to leave a job I wasn’t quite ready to leave. And when the decision is made without my input, it’s a raw feeling of rejection. Who doesn’t want to be the one deciding when to leave their job? No one wants to be told their time is up at their workplace before they’ve made that decision for themselves.

When you’re told “it is finished” for you, you feel a flood of emotions. And those emotions are valid. No one enjoys being told they’re done before they’re ready to be done. But that’s how it works for many people these days. One day you’re in. The next day you’re out. It doesn’t seem fair, but that’s life. And we have to roll with it.

I’ve always lived with the motto that the best is yet to come. Even in the hardest of times, I held onto that hope. Each time I lost my job, I hoped and prayed that someone would hire me. And someone always did. But the loss of the previous job was tough. It changes you, and you have to decide if you’ll become bitter or better for it. Life isn’t over just because the job is. You never know what lies just around the corner.

The one losing her job is in the last days of employment. She’s wrapping up loose ends and giving final instructions to those she works closely with. She’ll finish well and move on to the next phase of her life. Even though the job loss was not in her plans, she can walk away with her head held high knowing she’s given it her best.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

Jesus had been teaching large crowds of people and healing the sick among them. As the days drew closer for his earthly ministry to end, he began making his way to Jerusalem. He knew that his ministry would be finalized in that city. He knew that he would face persecution and death there, and he didn’t run from it. As he made his way to the city of David, he continued his ministry by teaching and healing people. His work didn’t end because his end of days was just ahead.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

We have just lived through what was the last week of Jesus Christ’s earthly life. Before he was arrested, put on trial and then crucified, he knew his time on earth was coming to an end. The human part of him asked for “this cup” to pass from him, but his Father refused. And he knew there was no need to ask for a reprieve because he had given up his deity and became fully human just to die for the sins of humanity. And the time had come to fulfill the prophecy.

But humanly speaking, he didn’t want a kiss of betrayal on his brow. He didn’t want to be whipped. He didn’t want a trial held under the cloud of darkness. He didn’t want to feel the pain of rejection. The pressure of thorns piercing his skull. The puncturing of his wrists with nails. The slit of his side with a sword. He didn’t want the taste of gall pressed on his lips with a dirty sponge. He didn’t want to breathe his last breath hanging on a wooden cross in a public display of the prophetic holy Scriptures. But he did it anyway. He willingly suffered the pain of death for all humanity. He spoke the words “It is finished” and gave up the ghost and breathed his last. And he died for our sins so you and I don’t have to.

In alignment with the rest of God’s creation project revealed in the biblical story, the new creation is the culmination of the purpose (creation) and provision (redemption) of God. The end of creation is when the perfect capacity for creation reaches complete perfection — when God declares over his creation project what he did at our redemption: “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Edward W. Klink III, The Beginning and End of All Things

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Jesus said it is finished because he was finished with his earthly ministry. He was basically saying that he had successfully completed the work he came to do. These three words weren’t a desperate cry for help. They were a proclamation that he had finished well. He had accomplished the work his Father had laid out for him, and all the prophecies of the Old Testament had now been fulfilled. Although his body was tattered and torn, beaten and bruised, he finished well. He had laid the groundwork for those who call on him to spend eternity with him.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

When Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, his earthly work was finished. In that moment, he laid down his life for us. His ministry lasted three years, but the preparations for it had begun long before he came to earth. He finished his work on earth and is now working to make our eternal home ready for when our time on earth is completed. He’s preparing a place for each of us who know him as Lord and Savior. Have you surrendered your life to him so he can prepare a room for you?

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2-3

This Man Jesus

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I’ve been thinking about this man named Jesus. When he was born, there were some who recognized who he was. And they saw who he was not. They knew he was the Son of God and not Joseph’s son. He was one of a kind. One could say. But he was perfect. And that’s hard to say. Because there has been no one before him who was perfect and no one since. And no one else will be. After all, he never sinned. No one else can say that about themselves.

As he began his ministry, he spoke words that were different from what people expected to hear. He was followed by many, but hated by many more. He said he had not come to bring peace. He came to bring a sword. A man would be against his father, a daughter would be against her mother. Family would be against family. But why?

He came to bring division.

He said he did not come to bring peace, yet he was called the Prince of Peace. He came to bring a sword, yet he provides a suit of armor. His message was radical, yet he is the long awaited Messiah. He died on a wooden cross, yet he was the Great Healer. He promised eternal life, yet he died a physical death.

This man Jesus is a mystery to some, and a Savior to all who call on his name. He performed many miracles, yet he didn’t save himself from torture and pain and death.

He causes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good. He sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. He is the chief cornerstone and the Rock of Ages. He was despised and rejected by men, but he died to save all of mankind.

This man truly was the Son of God!
Matthew 27:54

Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household! Matthew 10:34-36

The message of Jesus Christ started a revolution, and it is still going strong today. Both the message and the revolution. There are times of revival and there are times of rebellion against his message. Many have repented of their sins, and many have fallen away.

Jesus was a Jew, but his message was for all people. Jews. Gentiles. Everyone. He was not partial. His message was for men and women. He spoke truth to all people at all times.

His wounds healed my sinful heart. His death gave me eternal life. And when he arose from the dead on that third day, he made the way for my sins to be buried in the deepest sea.

He submitted to his Father’s will and left heaven. He was born a baby and grew to be a man. His earthly life lasted 33 years. But he packed a lifetime into those years. His ministry was only three short years, but in that time he upended tradition and the Jewish laws. He appeared to be a rebel, yet he spoke only truth. His message was not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking the Way. His life was prophesied and fulfilled. He was the final answer for a sinful world.

This man Jesus died for me. He literally breathed his final breath as a promise of eternal life in exchange for my repentance. He was God, yet he gave his few years to a human life on this earth and experienced all the temptations that mere mortals face. Yet he never gave in. He never submitted himself to those temptations. He was without sin. He was God in human form. Oh, the day before he hung on that cross, he begged his Father for his life. He asked to be given a pass on this act of sacrificial love. But God, his heavenly Father, said no. My will, Son, is for you to hang on that old rugged cross and die for the sins of all mankind. Just this once. And once was enough. He paid the ultimate sacrifice with his human life for my human sins.

Jesus is the Word of God incarnate, and yet he submitted to the Scriptures.

Michael Horton

Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow.

Hope Eternal

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I stood there with tears streaming down my face.  The door to the past was closed.  The future uncertain.  Trust was at its lowest.  Fear loomed large.  I cried out to my God.  Please show me hope.  Show me hope today.

Later that morning, as I stood in the rain with my dog, I looked over and saw signs of spring.  Purple hyacinths were popping their heads out of the green.  The yellow of daffodils was opening.  The leaves of the bleeding hearts were rising from the ground.  Peonies were poking through the soil.  I saw hope.  Even in the rain, hope was around me.  Hope of better days.  Hope of new beginnings.  Hope of building trust again.

I saw hope on another day.  Male cardinals vying for the female’s attention.  Loud chirping.  Swooping tails in flight.  Chasing each other through the branches.  I saw hope.  Hope for rebirth.  Hope for renewal.  Hope for dreams fulfilled.

Perhaps there was hope for me.  A phone call.  An encouraging text.  A lunch and movie.  Time with friends.  Renewal.  Rest.  Reset.  Hope.

But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.  For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun!  Do you not see it?  Isaiah 43:18-19

The Israelites had been mistreated for far too long.  They were waiting for a savior.  One to rescue them.  One to right their wrongs.  Oh.  Their suffering became worse before it ended.  Perhaps hope did wane.  Discouragement can cloud hope when it seems as if God isn’t listening.

But God was listening.  He heard their cries.  God offered hope when He sent Moses to deliver them.  And God delivered His people in a mighty way.  Miracle after miracle flowed from his fingertips into their lives.  God proved with his mighty hand that he was in control every step of the way.  God destroyed their enemy in front of their very eyes.

Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you mistreated this people? Why did you ever send me? Since I first came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has mistreated this people, and you have done nothing at all to deliver your people.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh: Indeed, by a mighty hand he will let them go; by a mighty hand he will drive them out of his land.”  Exodus 5:22-61 NRSV

This is Easter Week.  Holy Week.  Just the name implies hope.  But in order to see that hope appear, horrible events took place.  The sentencing of an innocent man.  Sentenced to death on a cross.

When Jesus cried out asking why God had forsaken him, I wonder if God turned to him and said.  Now you shall see what I will do by my mighty hand. 

Did Jesus see hope as he was dying on the cross?  Did he see hope for you?  For me?

Oh.  Two days later as he left the tomb very much alive, hope came in a bright light.  Hope rolled the stone away from his tomb.  Hope breathed life into his torn body. Hope shown through him as he appeared to Mary Magdalene.  Hope appeared as he showed his scarred hands to Thomas.

This was a different hope. This was a new hope.  This was hope eternal. Everlasting hope.

Today the daffodil bloomed.

When It Seems God Is Failing

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In Exodus 3, God called Moses to return to Egypt to deliver his people.  The Israelites.  Moses fought the call.  Who am I to do such a thing?  He didn’t think he was good enough.  He didn’t think he was a good speaker.  He didn’t think he could make the Egyptian leaders believe him.  Even when God allowed Aaron to speak so Moses could perform the miracles, Moses resisted.  Even when God gave him clear instructions, Moses still wavered.  God reminded him that his people’s misery and oppression had been seen.  His people’s cries for mercy had been heard.  Moses was to go.  That was God’s clear command.  And God promised to lead Moses and his people to a land that was flowing with milk and honey.

So Moses went to Pharaoh.  Aaron spoke God’s words and Moses performed God’s miracles before Pharaoh.  But Pharaoh refused to give in to God and caused greater suffering for the Israelites.

Even with God’s promise, the Israelite’s suffering worsened before they were delivered.  They had done no wrong, but their workload was increased.  They were beaten.  They were abused.  They were threatened.

Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you mistreated this people? Why did you ever send me? Since I first came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has mistreated this people, and you have done nothing at all to deliver your people.”  Exodus 5:22-23 NRSV

Could this have been the same cry that rang out from Jesus’ lips as he hung on that cross?  My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?  Jesus was in agony.  He felt abandoned by his Father.   Had God left him all alone on that cross?  Not only was the physical pain of being nailed to the cross unbearable, but he was bearing the weight of the entire world’s sins on his shoulders.

Death by crucifixion was barbaric.  It brought immense physical suffering.  It was cruel.  It was painful.  Nails were hammered into his hands and feet.  His breathing was ragged.  He had severe blood loss.  Broken ribs.  Collapsed lungs.  Exhausted thighs.  Shoulders pulled from their sockets.  A slow agonizing death.

Yes, there are times when life doesn’t make sense.  When things are going wrong.  Horribly wrong.  Others make decisions that impact innocent lives.  We feel abandoned.  We may feel that we’re in exile with no way of escape.  It would seem that God is failing.

Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

The thing is.  I’ve said some of those same words.  I’m not good enough.  I can’t do this.  God, why am I going through this situation?  When will it end?  God, where are you?  God, why have you forsaken me?  God, why have you done nothing to deliver me?

When it seems that those you trusted have failed you, there is One who never fails.  God is not slow.  He is patient.  He is working behind the scenes.  Putting everything in place.  Oh.  It may seem as if he hasn’t heard the prayers.  It may seem as if he hasn’t seen our plight.  It may seem as if he doesn’t care.  He has said that we will have trouble in this life.  We will suffer.  We will face trials and deep sorrows.

But God has given us a promise that we must hold to as long as we have breath.  He will right our wrongs.  Oh.  Not necessarily as we would like, but in His all-knowing, all-seeing, all-present way.  God does not fail.  He is in control.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”  Jeremiah 29:11-14

God is good all the time.  All the time God is good.

 

Coward

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Pilate.  Pilate.  You thought the man innocent.  Not guilty.  But you bowed to peer pressure.  Both you and Herod found him innocent.  Yet you couldn’t let him go.  You valued your life over his.  You even claimed a friend that day.  Herod, the man who was once your enemy became a friend.  For what?  Because you both agreed about this man?  You both found him innocent but couldn’t free him.  What kind of leader are you?

So you listened to the crowd.  You had the opportunity to free a man sentenced to death.  You could have released Jesus.  An innocent man.  Yet you released a murderer.  You released a man charged with insurrection.  A troublemaker.  A rioter.  Were you afraid of a riot if you let Jesus go free?  Do you always lead with double standards?  Were you afraid for your life that day?

Pilate.  You sat on the judgment seat.  The power was in your hands.  Even your wife knew you should free Jesus.  She had a nightmare.  She knew.  She begged you to let him go.  But you didn’t listen.  You were too concerned for yourself.  Coward.  Spineless.  Yourself a troublemaker.  You couldn’t stand up for an innocent man.  So you traded his life for that of a murderer.  Your claim to fame is the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

How does it feel to sentence an innocent man to death?  Oh.  You came to the right conclusion.  Both you and Herod.  Jesus was innocent.  No crime was committed.  Yet you bowed.  But you were the leader.  The governor.  You were the one with the power.  And you were afraid.  You had a choice.  Do the right thing or do the popular thing.  Yes.  We know what you chose.

Pilate asked them, “Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?” Mark 15:12

You thought that washing your hands in a bowl of water would cleanse you from guilt.  There is not enough soap to wash away that guilt.  The only thing that would cleanse you was the man you put on that cross.  Sometimes the things we try to run from continue to haunt us long after the deed is done.  Sometimes you can’t run far enough or fast enough.  And it doesn’t matter if someone else says they’ll take the blame.  It was you who freed the wrong man.  You’re the one who has to live with that.

There are stories that tell how you had a history of executing prisoners before their trial.  You were violent.  Greedy.  Stubborn.  Cruel.  Yes.  That’s the way history paints you.  So killing another innocent man wasn’t new to you.  But this prisoner was different.  You knew this man was innocent.

I wonder, Pilate, if Jesus’ words had begun to sink in.  When you asked if he was king of the Jews, did you believe he was?  I can see how his words of truth would prick your heart and create the stirrings of belief.  You were frightened by his words.  I believe you knew that you were dealing with someone not of this world.

You had him flogged with a lead-tipped whip.  Then you ordered your men to put a crown of thorns on his head.  You dressed him in a purple robe.  Perhaps deep down you knew.  He really was King of the Jews.  But you couldn’t say it to the crowd.  Or you might have been the one on the cross.

Here’s the thing.  Pontius Pilate.  You couldn’t change your mind.  Your decision was part of God’s plan for his only Son.  Jesus was born to die on that cross. God knew there would be those warring against him.  You were placed in that role for this very part.  Oh.  Yours wasn’t a starring role.  But it was powerful.  It was shameful.  It was tragic.  But you did the job.  Your decision set Jesus up to be the Savior of the world.  He died for you, Pilate.

 

Petty Tyrannies

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Her words do me in.  They are sharp.  Cutting.  Unpredictable yet predictable.  Unpredictable because I never know when she will strike.  Predictable because it’s happening too often lately.

She says we’re not the target.  It’s the situation that causes her to be this way.  But those around her are the victims.  Easy prey.

I’ve tried to quietly analyze her.  What causes her to strike?  What is happening in her life that makes her so stressed?  Why is she so tightly wound?  Do I even want to know?

The thing is.  Others notice.  Others hear the words.  Others avoid her.  Her reputation precedes her.

Stress causes people to act out, speak out and mistreat others when it is never their intention.  Our differences will divide us.  If we let them.  We can choose to work and live together in harmony.  Give each other space.  Help each other out.

Free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.  Romans 14:9 (MSG)

I’m the peacemaker of the group.  Usually.  But sometimes I find myself striking back when the words are too cutting.  I find that my sharp words come out when I’ve been wounded.  Hoping to inflict as much damage as I’ve received.  Even if I’m not the intended target.  A person can only take so much.  I tell myself.

But does that really give me the right to strike back?  Does that make it right?  Is getting even ever justifiable?

I’ve begun to realize that I’m prone to getting even when backed in a corner.  I say words that I will later regret.  My thoughts have a bent toward retaliation.  Even though that’s not the way I choose to live or treat people.

I don’t think of myself as evil.  I’m protecting myself.  That’s what I tell myself.  I’m making sure that I’m not walked on.  Not trampled on.  Not chewed up and spit out.

I want to think I’m better than that. I want others to think I’m better than that. I want to think that others don’t see the real me.  I want them to see the good in me.  I want them to believe in me.  I want them to trust me. I want my reputation to be honorable.

If I have to justify my petty tyrannies to others, then I know I’m doing wrong.  Why don’t I repent and choose to do better, be better instead of continually explaining away my shortcomings?

I remember Jesus in the garden when Judas Iscariot betrayed him with a kiss.  When Jesus was arrested, he went quietly.

I remember Jesus was put on trial.  Listening to the lies.  The false charges brought against him.  He stood there quietly.

I remember someone shoved a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head.  He was beaten and stripped of his clothes.  He didn’t fight.  He didn’t try to escape.

I remember Jesus was ordered to carry the cross that he would die on.  He carried that cross up the hill with the little strength he had left.  He was nailed to that cross.  He knew he was going to die.  I wonder if he wished he was already dead.  So he wouldn’t have to suffer more.

He had no strength left to fight, yet he was willing to die so he could save everyone fighting against him.  He could have called on heavenly forces to save himself, but he died alone so everyone else could live.

I remember Jesus on the cross.  A soldier slit his side.  A thief on one cross insulted him.  Another thief recognized Jesus and asked for forgiveness.  In his dying moments, Jesus forgave him.  He told the second thief they would be together in heaven later that day.

 Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out.  Romans 15:2-6 MSG

I see a pattern in my life that doesn’t match up to Jesus’ example.  If I’m going to be like him, I need to think like him.  I need to act like him.  I need to embrace his willingness to forgive at all cost.  I need to love others as he did. I need to ask how I can help.  I want him to look at me and tell me that he’ll see me in heaven when my time comes.