What has been your reaction to 2020? Resentment? Rage? Do you want revenge? Those feelings are the result of the anger and chaos that lives inside of us. When we harbor them, we become something that we don’t want to be. Victims. It often sounds like blame. If you are like me, you’ve blamed problems on the virus, the lock-down, the governor, even the president. It’s crazy! We can’t wait until 2021, right?
Do we really know what we are asking for? Consider this. What if Jesus made our choices? Instead of instructing Pilate “you would have no authority over me at all unless it was given to you from above,” he relented to emotion, cowering from the suffering that lay ahead of him? What if, instead of saying “forgive them, father,” Jesus took our approach and condemned them all to hell? Honestly? I don’t even want to imagine it. In fact, its easier to believe it’s not possible.
Sometimes, I try to justify Jesus’ choices. “He had it easier,” I think. I mean, he’s God. He’s a deity. Of course, he will make the right choices. But no. the Truth is, he was human, just like you and me. He was confronted with temptation and the allures of life. He could have chosen the easier path devoid of pain and suffering. Just like me. But, he didn’t. How did he prevail?
There is one simple truth about Jesus. He wasn’t conflicted. When his plans were disrupted, he doesn’t try to regain control. He didn’t have to, because he never lost it. For him, it’s simply a matter of understanding that the way to achieve the goal has changed. And he will stop at nothing to accomplish it. Even death on a cross.
Dear God, help us see where our faith is misplaced. I know that you are moving, right now, amidst the chaos and crisis that are ruling our lives. Show us where. Also, give us courage. Courage to come into your presence and take it out into the world so that everyone can see who you are.