I had a beard for about 12 years when my kids were growing up. When I decided to shave it one day, Andrew walked in and looked at me. "Something's different Dad, what'd you do?" And after a a few seconds of looking at the quizzical look on his face I answered, "I shaved my beard off." "No, that 's not it, " and he walked off. So much for the truth being as plain as the hair on your face. Today many truths have been relegated to the opinion section of our minds, and hearts. When an overwhelming sense of common leaves a void, and we must make a decision, we go to opinions. Should I buy the bike? Asking friends who just bought new rides, but wisely neglecting to consult with his wife-who is still waiting for the new carpet she was promised five new bikes ago. An opinion poll of concerned riders-imagine the response if he asked motorcycle salesman! How could he say no then? 100% of Harley dealers believe you should by a Harley. The proof is there. Why ask anyone else?
And even the word all takes on a different meaning. All my friends have new bikes. Well I know two of the 40 riders in the chapter have new rides, at least in the past two years. Probably used the same line on his poorly carpeted wife. All used to mean all. "Do I have to eat all my Brussels sprouts?" "Do I have to answer all the questions correctly to get my license?" Until it was questioned, and back in the 1970's the US Supreme Court gave a definition of all. All includes everything, and excludes nothing. Simple enough, but think about the important court cases that could have been heard while they were doing fifth grade vocabulary. I wonder if someone had the smarts to call their fifth grade teacher, who just looked it up in their Funk and Wagnall's. Might even make a good show, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? No, but I know all the words to Mariah Carey's songs. Good, we'll put you in charge-that word all again.
Imagine if you would, the polls taken about Jesus the day He rode into Jerusalem. 88% per cent say He is the messiah, 10% deny it, among evangelicals. Good politicians would get on board. But only a week later, the latest poll shows only 6% believe Him to be the messiah. 90% opposed. Imagine Peter running to Jesus at the Last Supper, "Jesus, have you seen the latest polls? Now what do we do? Should you change your strategy?" At that point, things didn't look good for our intrepid savior. And soon, the polls would swell to near 100% of those who didn't believe Him. How quickly public opinion changes, while the facts still remained the same. Jesus never changed, just the situation. And depending on when you were polled, would have a major influence on your life, and many others. You see, sin will always be sin, no matter how many say it isn't. God doesn't operate by vote, poll, or proxy. He spells out the truth-no pun intended. And those who believe the truth know Jesus. And where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.
A few days later, a group is polled at the tomb of Jesus. Do you believe He will rise again after three days? It's been two already? 50% said yes, 30% not sure, 15% said no. Good thing Jesus doesn't love just those who love Him! You see He loves even those who weren't sure or didn't believe. It took an empty tomb to convince the others, and get a 100% yes to His resurrection. What will it take with you?
The tomb is still empty. And the truth still sets you free. If God asked you today "who do you say Jesus is," how would you answer? The correct answer is still He is the Son of God. And 100% of those going to heaven know that. And 100% of those that don't believe are going to hell. Maybe that is why Jesus encouraged little children to come to Him. And why wise men still seek Him. Those of all ages who believe find the truth in Him. And like those children, it helps to be smarter than a fifth grader. All who believe will find comfort in Him.
Just a note-the latest polls show of scripture 100% of all born are born into sin. And 100% will die. What happens in between will decide your eternal destiny, what will your vote be? Inquiring minds want to know. Jesus Christ-the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
love with compassion,
Mike
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