Hindsight

Scripture – Luke 24:5-8: 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” 8Then they remembered his words.

Reflection: Most of the time hindsight really is much clearer than what I’m seeing now. Something happens – good or bad – and I look back and see all kinds of clues leading up to it. These women have just received the most astounding news of all time. Jesus is alive! God has raised Him from the dead. The men reminded them again of the things Jesus had told them. All at once, they remembered His words. All at once they understand what He was talking about.

Christ is alive today. He is interacting with us all the time. I’ll keep my eyes open and look for Him in the present, not just the past. I look back at the end of a day and I easily see where He’s been present. I’ll practice today seeing Him in the moment.

After today, I’ll be off-line for a couple weeks. I’ll probably be back in September. Thanks for sharing some of this journey with me.

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Reading for Sunday, August 16
Luke 24:9-12: 9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

A Good Man

Scripture – Luke 23:50-56: 50Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Reflection: Joseph, a man from Arimathea, was a member of the Jewish Council. He was one of the leaders. He had not agreed with the decision of the Council.

Joseph reminds me there were good and faithful people serving within the Jewish establishment. It’s easy to get the impression they were all bad – all out to get Jesus – all closed to the truth. Yet here is Joseph.

In this present day I still struggle with grouping people into broad categories. Yet each person is unique – a person specifically created and love by God. I’ll be intentional about remembering that today.

What Stops You?

Scripture – Luke 23:44-46: 44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Reflection: With this, God’s plan for the salvation of all people was accomplished. Jesus had completed what He came to do. I imagine there was a great deal of relief for Him, along with the satisfaction of a job well done.

I cannot imagine what it was like for Him. I can only thank Him for the hope with which we can all live today. All we have to do is believe in Him – trust Him – rely on Him. He’s done all the work that needs to be done. If you’ve not received this gift of eternal life, what stops you?

Crucifixion Duty

Scripture – Luke 23:32-34: 32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Reflection: Indeed, the people involved in this crucifixion did not know what they were doing. They didn’t understand who Jesus was. They didn’t know what an awesome event was happening right before their eyes. And they probably missed what Jesus was saying about forgiveness, because they didn’t think they were doing anything wrong.

I often think about the soldiers who actually did the crucifixions. How did they feel about this duty? This was a brutal form of execution. They would have had to harden themselves and distance themselves from the victims. Any clothing left over was part of their reward for the day.

I think Jesus clearly had them in mind when He forgave them. They were innocent in that they were just following orders. Whatever became of them, I wonder? After this day of crucifixion duty, were their lives changed? As the news began to spread a few days later, did they look back? What I do know is my life changed that day. Even though I was born over nineteen centuries afterwards, my life is changed because of the cross of Christ. And for that, I will be forever thankful.

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Reading for Sunday, August 9
Luke 23:35-38: 35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” 36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Reading for Monday, August 10
Luke 23:39-43: 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The Best Laid Plans

Scripture – Luke 23:26-31: 26As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ 31For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Reflection: What a change in plans for Simon. He was on his way into town with whatever plans he had for the day. All at once he’s caught up in this big crowd of people heading to the outskirts of Jerusalem. And before he knows what’s happening a Roman guard pulls him from the crowd and lays this big crossbeam on his shoulders.

Simon, I’m sure, had no idea he was thrust into the midst of one of the crucial points in the history of humankind. It would have been clear that he was helping in the execution of someone. The cross had such a negative connotation in those days I suspect he was shaken to be even touching it.

I wonder what happened to him after this. Did he stay and watch the execution? Did he hurry on back into town to finish his business? Did he ever come to realize what happened that day and what role he had in it? There is, of course, no way to answer those questions. What I can do is keep my eyes open today. I don’t know when or how I might encounter Jesus today or what I might be called to do. I will be looking and I will be ready.

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Political Captivity

Scripture – Luke 23:20-25: 20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 22For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” 23But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

Reflection: Well, for now at least, it looks like the Jewish leaders have won. Pilate gave into their demand. As a result he kept a totally innocent man in custody, and he released a convicted criminal.

Political courage is still in short supply today. On our national front there are countless games being played every day. Even President Obama seems to be slipping into that. After running such a bold campaign, it seems more often than not he’s now testing the political winds before making decisions. And here in Michigan it seems our state legislators are so afraid of offending their constituents they end up doing nothing while our economic ship continues to sink.

I don’t know that it would have made a difference had Pilate stood firm and released Jesus. I mean, He still had to die for our sin. That’s why He came.

Still, Pilate’s main goal, it seems, was to maintain peace. That is, as long as Rome didn’t see any problems coming from Palestine, he’d be okay. So in the end, it really didn’t matter to him.

I’ll pay attention to political concerns today. I’ll listen closely for the Spirit’s leading as I make decisions. Sometimes it’s not a matter of having courage to do what’s right, it’s just remembering to pay attention.

Let the Games Begin

Scripture – Luke 23:13-19: 13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” 18With one voice they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

Reflection: An intriguing power struggle begins here between Pilate and the Jewish leaders. Pilate, as Rome’s representative, has the authority to release Jesus. He doesn’t need anyone else to okay it. In the big picture of the Roman empire, this amounts to nothing.

Yet Pilate is not as free as he could be. There are political implications guiding him that have nothing to do with “official” power. The Jewish leaders know this. They have a power of their own. They know they can exercise their faith because Rome allows it. They also know if they cause trouble it will look bad for Pilate. And Pilate does not want to have any hassles from Rome.

So this is the beginning of a stand-off of sorts. Pilate makes his move. The Jewish leaders make theirs. What’s going to happen next?

Nothing to Say

Scripture – Luke 23:8-12: 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. 9He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.

Reflection: This brings back “Herod’s Song” for the old rock opera, “Jesus Christ, Superstar.” Herod sang, “Prove to me that you’re no fool; walk across my swimming pool.” I can still picture Herod getting excited at the possibility of seeing Jesus do some tricks.

Yet as He did so well, Jesus simply stood in silence. The Jewish leaders kept up with their accusations. Herod and his soldiers made fun of Him. They sent Him back to Pilate. In all of that Jesus spoke not a word.

There was really nothing to say. None of the people involved now were open to the truth Jesus had for us all. So, as always, Jesus was in control of the whole situation. What a wondrous thing that He accepted all this for me – for us all.

Self Conviction

Scripture – Luke 22:70-71: 70They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You are right in saying I am.” 71Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

Reflection: And so, in a roundabout way Jesus convicted Himself. They asked a direct question. Jesus didn’t exactly answer it, but it gave them enough to move ahead.

That old question comes to mind: If I was on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me? What evidence will I give today? What words will I speak?

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Reading for Sunday, August 2
Luke 23:1-3: 1Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.” 3So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.

Reading for Monday, August 3
Luke 23:4-7: 4Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” 5But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.” 6On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.