In this morning’s reading I went through Exodus 5-8. It is interesting how many times Moses told God that he didn’t want to be the one. There are five times in Exodus 3-4 when Moses tries to talk his way out of the mission God has for him. I don’t consider myself on the same level as Moses but I cannot count the times I have done the same thing. I tried to talk my way out of going to Bible College twice. I don’t know how many times I tried to talk my way out of staying. I had similar conversations with each of the ministries I have been involved with. Even when it seemed obvious that God was leading me in a certain direction, there were moments when I just didn’t want to go.
I also read Psalm 14 this morning. I have seen a lot of folks toss that one around on April Fools Day. Given the opening line I guess that is understandable. However, it is wise to read the entire psalm and understand that it isn’t targeting atheists only. It begins by saying that the fool says there is no God but it also says that all have turned away and become corrupt. Paul says the same thing in Romans 3:23. All of us have sinned at some point. Craig Groeschel has written an interesting book called The Christian Atheist. The premise is that many who call themselves Christians live in such a way that they might as well be atheists. I highly suggest it.
The next two sections I read this morning were Mark 13-16 and Romans 13-16. I want to briefly touch in two small passages. Given all the drama in our nation right now I find it incredibly interesting (and somewhat amusing) that they just happened to be on the schedule right now. I’ll begin with some of Paul’s words in Romans 13.
Much has been written about the first seven verses of this chapter. I have heard it quoted (and mis-quoted) my entire life. I will go ahead and let you know that I don’t think I have any special insight to share. I just want to work through this stuff as I read it. Paul says to submit to the governing authorities. It is important to keep things in the original context. Who were the authorities when Paul wrote this? Depending upon the date it was written, either Claudius or Nero was emperor of Roman Empire.
I don’t intend to get into a deep discussion of this because there are different opinions as to what Paul means when he says to “submit” and that these earthly rulers are “instituted” by God. My own personal understanding of this has changed over the years and may change again. What I do what to stress is that those of us living in American need to be real careful when attempting to apply this passage to our current situation. I have seen both Democrats and Republicans quote this when “their guy” was in the White House but seemingly forget it when the “other guy” was. I don’t think Paul makes a distinction between “good” leaders and “bad” leaders because when it comes down to it, they are all inferior to Christ.
The other passage I want to mention is Mark 15:29-32 (CSB).
29 Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself by coming down from the cross!” 31 In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself! 32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with him taunted him.
Jesus is hanging on the cross. He is naked and has been brutalized. Anyone can walk by and say whatever he wishes and that is exactly what is happening. He is being mocked by the religious leaders. He is even being taunted by the two criminals being crucified with him. This is Emmanuel. This is God in the flesh. Make no mistake, he has the power to come down off that cross and silence all those who are scoffing. He remains silent just as he did before the Sanhedrin and Pilate. Isaiah prophesied this.
He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
Isaiah 53:7 (CSB)
It really is amazing when you think about. Jesus took all of the abuse (phycial and verbal) heaped upon him and he did not have to do so. He willingly endured it for each of us. Here is where I am trying to let it sink in. If he did that for me, why do I have such a hard time letting go of the abusive things people say to me. Why is it so difficult to not get caught up in the mess we see every day on social media? Why do we think we have to respond? Why can’t we be more like Jesus? That is what I am trying to hold on to. If I take the name of Christ then I have to take up the cross that comes with it. I am REALLY trying to let that sink in.
Grace and peace.
That 80s Pastor Dude 