Monday, March 15, 2010

"What Will You Do With Jesus?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Mat 26:56 "But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples left him and fled."

This describes the scene immediately following the arrest of Jesus.

Jesus was acutely aware of the prophecy from the scriptures that were being fulfilled in real time.

He knew that there was no wiggle room, and that every detail had to be carried out exactly as it was written.

He was the promised Messiah that had been spoken of in every single book of the Old Testament, and He knew that it was all culminating in Him.

"Strike the Shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered."

It was happening.

The disciples who had been hand picked by Jesus Himself, and who had traveled with Him, ate meals with Him, and had grown to love and accept Him as the Messiah, had deserted Him at His most desperate hour.

I've often wondered where they went. Did they leave town? Did they stay within eyesight of the crucifixion and watch from afar? Did they cower together in some secret location?

One thing is for sure. They were paralyzed by fear.

"God has not given us a spirit of fear."

What would you do? Perhaps even, "What have you done?".

Have you denied the Master? Have you suffered embarrassment because of Him?

Or perhaps you just don't buy it all. Maybe It's too religious. Or not religious enough.

In any event, the most beautiful fact, and at the same time the most sad, is that He died for you even if you don't buy it.

He was arrested, beaten to a pulp, and crucified. Just for you. He did this when you were at your worst. When you didn't even believe.

"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

So, run and hide. Drown your sorrows in an ocean of booze and pills. Leave your wives and husbands. Cheat on your taxes. Slander and cheat and steal. Play the religious game. Be a part time believer. It doesn't change anything.

He died for you. He loves you. He wants to be your friend. He wants you to accept Him and acknowledge Him as your Savior.

Jesus has no ego to be stroked in this. He wants you to have the benefit that He has . He wants to share with you the riches he has in His Father and in Heaven.

It's all for you. All for you. A gift waiting to be opened. Nothing to do to gain it. Just open it. It was a done deal 2,000 years ago.

Perhaps you have done that but remain afar. Or perhaps with just one foot in.

He wants all of you because He knows the eternal pain and suffering that awaits those who have chosen unwisely or not chosen at all.

Jesus has bought you by His blood whether you want to believe it or not. The results of our decisions can be wonderful or tragic.

What will you do with Jesus?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

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