If given the opportunity, which Barabbas would I choose over Jesus? Which temptation would I follow, and which selfish desire or self-righteous way of thinking? Which perceived danger to my way of life? Which threat to my status quo? This man, this Messiah promised to turn all my comfort on its head the way He cleared the money changers from the temple. He says families will divide, friendships end, and congregations split, all because of Who He is and what He speaks.
Truth be told, we'd prefer the evil with which we are familiar to the unknown blessings that come when and if we trust and obey Jesus. Why are we so reluctant? Do we look at the history of His church and followers and fear death? Death only brings us home to be with Him eternally.
Don't we realize we are all slowly dying anyway, and the darkness of this world works hard to cover that fact as we strive to remain young, working to postpone our inevitable mortality?
Why not put effort into living in and for our Creator, and put more joy into our lives and this world, instead of trying to elevate ourselves by diminishing the status of others? Our strongest efforts should be in living as servants to our fellow travelers in this life.
To be more like Christ and less like us should be our goal. Let Him be seen when people look into our eyes.
I went last night with some friends to see Tetelestai. Since I was in that ministry for 12 years, my reasons now for going aren't necessarily to "see" the performance. I use it as an opportunity to pray.
ReplyDeleteFor the cast. The crew. And the audience. That their hearts may be open to the message beyond what they are seeing on the stage. My most intense prayers come when Judas, under the cover of darkness, meets with the Saducees. I want to stand up and shout "Judas! Don't take the deal their deal!" I pray for the choices and temptations we all face on a daily basis - choices representing good/evil, right/wrong, eteranl life/death.