Contrary to popular belief, Jesus was not a religious man. Bet you didn't know that. In fact, He wanted very little to do with the religious types, as they were the ones who by their legalism, were always trying to draw attention to themselves. The Pharisees, would actually have a bellringer precede them to the temple, then have the crowd watch as they gave their bag of gold. All to be seen. And since the word religion means bound up, He is against being bound up in a bunch of laws still today. But sadly, legalism and pride, laced with ignorance are in too many churches today.
They teach church tradition, rather than the truth. They gloat as they poke fun at Job's wife, never concerning themselves with the fact she lost everything, too, and watch as this poor woman grieves the loss of her children, and now possibly her husband. They taunt Thomas, calling him Doubting, when the scripture never alludes to that. And the list goes on, along with their lack of grace. But still God has everything under control, as we shall see, down to the last detail, and at the right time.
Scripture tells us that Peter denied Jesus three times , while standing warming himself by the fire in the garden at Gethsemane. A little girl accused him of being a Galilean, by his accent, he said no. Of being with Jesus, he became flustered, and of knowing Jesus-he claimed he didn't know the man, which may have been true, his biggest denial before leaving in tears. And because of this, they took Jesus away by himself, Pilate tried him, and then He was hung on the cross. Between two thieves, one of which He promised to see in Paradise that night, because the thief believed. And finally, He appeared to Peter after His resurrection, and empowered him by the spirit, and the same Peter then on the day of Pentecost, under the Spirit, led 3000 to salvation. Just like it is recorded in Scripture.
But what if Peter had been a bold believer that night in public, like he was when in Jesus' company. Suppose he continued to say "I'll follow you anywhere," and was arrested with Jesus, based on the accurate accusations of a little girl? What if he was sentenced to die with Jesus, and there were only three crosses? Suppose the saved thief was given a stay until Monday, and would enjoy a temporary stay, and not have met Jesus, and therefore missed eternal life? And what if because Peter was crucified with Christ, that the church would embrace him as its savior also, His whole gospel would be laced with untruths? And two saviors! At least in their eyes.
Who would have run with John to the tomb, and seen the grave clothes piled nicely, the body covering and also the head cloth-dispelling the Shroud of Turin myth, which they claim shows Jesus' face-it couldn't, because of a separate head covering. Who would have been there on the Day of Pentecost, if not Peter? And how many accurate prophesies of Jesus would not be true, just because of one man's statement?
Truly God is in control, and all things work to good for Him. You see while some berate Mrs. Job, if you don't read Job's response you miss a touching response to his wife-rather than telling her she is stupid, he consoles her by telling her she is acting out of character-not a rebuke, but a comfort. Thomas was out on the streets while the others were hiding upstairs, and only wanted the same testimony that they had-they saw Him! And when He appeared to Him, he didn't have to touch the wounds-He exclaimed "my God and my King!" Remember that next time you ask God to show or prove himself.
There is a good chance, somehow, sometime you will deny Jesus today. He still loves you, and contrary to some beliefs, He doesn't erase your name from the Book of Life. So keep going, and enjoy the life He has given you. Some little girl may question you, like Peter based on your relationship with Jesus. That's good sign, as she has seen something of Jesus in you. And it's OK to respond like Peter might today, looking back on it all. "Thank heaven for little girls, for without her, it all would have been different." It's a wonderful life in Christ, you would never wish to see your life without Him.
Jesus and religion? You can keep your laws, I'll keep my morals, in Christ, of course.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
