Many times we read a Bible story over and
over again and we begin to think we know
every detail. When we feel that way, it's
often time to reread the story.
Kathy and I were reading the Gospel of
Mark last night, and part of a verse struck
us. We had ready it many, many times before,
but never really noticed it. Holy Spirit
chose to illuminate it a bit for us last
night.
The setting: the last supper has been
finished and Jesus and the disciples have
moved over to the Mount of Olives, to the to
the Garden of Gethsemane. It is only hours
before Jesus is arrested and crucified.
"You will all fall away," Jesus told
them, "for it is written: " `I will strike
the shepherd, and the sheep will be
scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will
go ahead of you into Galilee."
Peter declared, "Even if all fall away,
I will not."
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered,
"today--yes, tonight--before the rooster
crows twice you yourself will disown me
three times."
But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even
if I have to die with you, I will never
disown you."
Mark 14:27-31A NIV
We read those verses and we smile sadly.
Peter, proud Peter, will soon discover the
folly of His words. We know that Jesus is
correct, and that Peter does in fact deny
his Lord three times before morning.
It's easy to condemn Him for His pride.
But, let's read the last part of that final
verse ...
And all the others said the same.
Mark 14:31B NIV
Hidden in the shadows of the main story,
the other disciples were doing the same
thing as Peter. They too had given in to
pride and "self" confidence. It is easy to
miss out on that fact and simply condemn
Peter.
The difference between walking with the
Lord and falling is often very slight and
often crossed over by being "self"
confident. The circumstances may be
different, but we're not all that much
different.
Let me give you a common example. We see
someone in the church stumble, and we're
quick to turn our backs, or to feel
superior. After all "we wouldn't do that".
That's dangerous thinking, and it's straight
from the pit of hell. We can all stumble. We
will all stumble.
The church should be a hospital for the
wounded in heart and spirit, but sometimes
we're anything but. We wonder why people
don't come to the church when they are
hurting. Often it's because they have seen
what we do to our own who are hurting. If we
destroy our own wounded, why in the world
would they want to come to us with their
hurts?
When the church does that, it isn't of
Christ. Jesus is a God of healing,
compassion and forgiveness. He is the model
we are called to follow.
I think if we're honest, we've all had
times where we've condemned someone in the
church for being judgmental or uncaring. The
truth be known, we are often like the
disciples in the shadows doing exactly the
same thing.
Until next time, ask Holy Spirit to
convict you of those times you've been
uncaring and repent. Begin to move forward
in the guidance of Holy Spirit and not of
self.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!
Kevin
