Today's Blog, Tuesday night, March 26, 2013

I want to have you think about the nearly perfect balance that Jesus lived in his private walk. We have discussed the ways that HE grew, in wisdom, in physical realm, in favor with GOD and in favor with people. The balance is

shown in that HE was able to keep all four areas growing, simultaneously, and consistently. Amazing! That is one of the best parts of Jesus, and why many of us love HIM still. So perfect, and so balanced, and yet, we have recorded one moment of obsession by Jesus that put him out of favor with a group of people, the Samaritans. 

In writing about his obsession, Luke records some amazing observations in chapter 9. Jesus foretells his death, and gives a command to the disciples and to us to "take up our CROSS, daily, and follow HIM." Later, in the same chapter, there is an important verse that reveals HIS obsession, not with death, but with life! One of the keys to the week we are in, is that Jesus did this for us, for me. That verse is Luke 9:51, in the English Standard Version (©2001) "When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem" Verse 53 confirms that He was so firmly committed to His destiny with the cross, that the Samaritans would not receive him. 

Today, many Christians want to reprise the role of Samaritans. This role was first acted out by Peter, who told Jesus, "NO, LORD, NO!" What was Peter saying? That there was another way, around the cross, for Jesus to fulfill HIS task. Today, some are saying that His death on the cross isn't important, or even wanted! Others are saying that this particular sacrifice and gift to GOD for us is foolish, since we aren't all that bad anyway. Amazing, and rubbish, if you ask me. You see, if there were any other way to get around the Cross, GOD would have figured it out. Jesus prayed often with HIS Father. The last night before HE was crucified, he prayed with great vigor for this cup to pass away. Hebrews 5:7 says that He was heard and yet, HE still died. That is how important the Cross is. Since JESUS pursued this death, we too must be obsessed with making HIS death our own. 

For me, this is very personal and powerful. I am praying for you right now to become as obsessed with HIS death, as HE was with your life! I started this blog a few years ago so I could keep touch with a few friends, so we could push each other to grow. I revived it because the idea seemed very appropriate as we  prepare for Easter Sunday. With five Sundays this month,. we will also end the month on a Sunday. Will you begin the painful process of preparing your self, your heart to receive JESUS? HE won't disappoint you. 

big marv