Readings for today: Deuteronomy 31-32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalms 78:32-55, Proverbs 12:21-23
Jesus is the most influential and confounding person in human history. His moral teachings form the backdrop of entire legal and social systems. His example of radical grace and love sets the standard for interpersonal relationships. His rejection of the sexism and racism and greed of His day confronts the perpetual systems of oppression we human beings seem so prone towards creating. Money had no hold on Him. He was not interested in temporal power and authority. When the people tried to make give Him a throne, He chose a cross. No wonder the religious elite couldn’t make heads or tails of Him. No wonder the pagan authorities tried to wash their hands of Him. No wonder the powers and principalities of this world did their best to get rid of Him.
Jesus turned the world upside down and we’ve been struggling to come to grips with it ever since. A new norm has been established. A new Kingdom has come on earth. Founded on an alien value system. The poor are now rich and the rich poor. The weak are now strong and the strong weak. The powerless are now the powerful and the mighty are cast down. Those who are great are the servants. Those who are wise are the foolish. And those who seem to be cursed - poor in spirit, grief-stricken, meek, persecuted, etc. - are actually the blessed. Obviously, this man is either insane or He’s God. You don’t really have any other choices. There is no middle way. No neutral territory. No spiritual Switzerland to appeal to. Jesus stands in front of you, forcing a decision. Will you believe He is who He says He is or will you reject Him?
It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to have your doubts. It’s okay to express your fears. “Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven.” This is new territory and Jesus understands it will take some getting used to. It’s like someone turned off the gravity and we are all floating around in a new space. It will take some getting used to. However, if we persist in closing our eyes. If we persist in sticking our fingers in our ears. If we keep trying to stubbornly plant our feet on the ground when the earth itself has shifted then we will not be forgiven. This is blasphemy. It is the persistent denial of the reality of the Kingdom of God and the Lordship of Christ. It is the rebellious denial of the work of the Holy Spirit which is the only means of salvation. To deny Him is to deny the Savior. It would be like continually ripping out the IV’s when all the doctor wants to do is take you into surgery and save your life. Do that for very long and you’ll lose your life altogether.
So what do you believe about Jesus? Do you believe He is the Way? The Truth? The Life? Do you believe He is the Door? The Gate? The Narrow Road? Do you believe He is the Bread of Life? The Living Water? The Resurrection itself? Do you believe He has the power to offer you the forgiveness of sins and eternal life? What you believe about Jesus is the most important thing about you. Do not blaspheme! Believe in Jesus and be saved!
Readings for tomorrow: Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalms 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24