Monday, April 02, 2007

Passion Week


Yesterday at church, our pastor preached a great message about the Passion Week. It was so interesting to revisit this story that I so often take for granted. I never forget Christ's sacrifice, of course, because it is the pinnacle of the Christian faith. It's just that I don't always stop and concentrate on it. One of the things that struck me about my pastor's message was that he said that many of the people in the street waving palm branches and declaring Jesus "Lord and King" were the same people that just several days later were shouting, "Crucify Him!"

I already knew this, but it really made me think. How often do I declare Christ "Lord and King" of my heart and life and then turn around and do something completely UN-Christlike in my conduct, speech, or behavior? Even though we don't live in Jesus' day when he walked on the earth, I still betray Him, just like Judas did. I don't enjoy admitting this...I'd love for everyone reading to believe that I have it all together. But as I listened yesterday, I realized that I'm sometimes no better than those who where shouting to have Christ killed when I turn my back on Him and behave in a way that doesn't bring honor and glory to Him.

After all He did for me on the cross, it is my God-given responsibility to represent Christ in all I do and say. It is also my job as a Believer to share Christ with others. I also look at the passage in Matthew 16 differently after yesterday. Jesus is talking with the disciples asking them the question, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" And the disciples began to reply with various things..."John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." And then Jesus asked them a very DIRECT question. He said,"Who do YOU say I am?" Peter was the one who answered, and he responded well. He said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

I believe Jesus asks us this question often. "Who do YOU say I am?"

Easter brings many unbelievers and luke-warm church goers through the front doors of your sanctuaries. They are all around you, every day. These people are often clinging to false doctrine and the notion that Jesus was simply a great teacher, a prophet, a nice man. The world has lulled them into a false sense of reality. They have no idea who He REALLY is and that He laid down His life because of the great love that He has for them.

Will YOU tell them? Will you be the one to share the good news? Will you put your faith on the frontlines and be bold when given the opportunity? Or will you be like one who betrayed Him, denying that you ever knew Him, whether in your conduct, or in your silence? Let us not be afraid to tell them the Truth.

Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this ALL men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:34-35

3 comments:

Kari Lynn said...

Happi- Thanks for sharing and being so honest in your faith. I struggle all the time with how far I wander away and if I can make it back. I stll haven't found my place. Can you give me some info on being a Believer? You have always been there to share His word with me and what wonderful things He does in your life.

Tonya said...

It's so hard not to get wrapped up in the world's perspective on Easter. But this post was very right on, thank you for sharing this.

Charity said...

I love your blog on Easter, and the "reason for the season". Beautifully said. I finally updated my blog... it'd been way too long. =)