Eternity

 

How important to be prepared for the end and beyond

Crucifiction

 

RI yesterday – a question from a thinking child.

“Why did the people hate Jesus and cry out “crucify Him?””

That’s a good question when we remember Him as a good man doing good things.

Let the Lord Jesus answer for Himself:

“It does hate me because I accuse it of sin and evil” (John 7:7)

 

For example:

“Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired” (Matthew 6)

“ Don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly”

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth.”

“Stop judging others”

“ Don’t worry about tomorrow”

 

Some of this makes one feel uncomfortable and for the leaders, who were lovers of money and fame, instead of repenting, they sought to destroy Jesus.

But more than His teaching – He who was known as the ‘carpenter’s son from Nazareth’ had gained many followers. The leaders became very jealous of His popularity.

 

Finally , the unbelieving leaders refused to accept the great claim of Jesus :- that He was the Son of God, the Messiah. They chose rather to accuse Him of blasphemy  and condemned Him to death. (Mark 14)  The wise men knew better – they bowed down and worshiped the child Jesus.

     And so it happened that the voice of the misguided crowd prevailed and the Roman governor sent Jesus out to be crucified.

 

By human terms a tragedy, but under the sovereign working of the LORD God, a triumph – the tomb is empty!

Making a difference

 

How can you affect the elections ?

Well you may choose to vote  - yes

Better, you may take time to pray  - yes please

You can waste time criticising people and parties

But there are positive ways to effect change!:

    Teach children the Word of God. Soon they will be teenagers and then adults voting.  Most get their morals and sense of discernment from screens – TV, Smartphones, Cinemas  etc.  Movies have been designed to manipulate the minds of the masses – with great success.

Teaching our families Bible truths is vital. But beyond that, teaching children in schools is a brilliant opportunity to teach good morals, teach wisdom, teach God’s laws and best of all lead them to Christ.

In many churches Religious Instruction in schools is considered a ‘non-event’. How sad to miss the way of the Master who stopped the crowd to bless the children and commanded Peter to “feed My Lambs”. Any preacher/paster who is too big to teach the children is unworthy of honour.

    At election time the people need tools to discern moral failure in leaders (it does matter), to discern moral questions (like gay marriage and abortion). To discern righteousness as an important social value.  To have compassion like Christ Jesus.  To be concerned for national issues as God sees it (Immigration and defence).

    Where are the teachers who are willing to sharpen the consciences of the people young and old, on real, relevant issues  as guided by the Word of God – the Holy Bible?

     Who will stand in the public square to make known God’s ways, God’s values  for our confused society??

    At election time, the would be politicians are ready for conversation. – go and ask them the important questions! Not about the money they promise. Ask them to be transparent about their own character and purpose. Avoid letting the media convince you of good or bad.

    The days were that good character was paramount. National interest was more important than personal benefit. And we can push back against the selfish priorities of modern politics.

    The last two years of teaching citizenship, it caused me to search the constitution, learn about laws and promote values. Beyond some disappointments I discovered so much of it  that is Bible based and we do well to highlight this. E.g. “rule of law” came from Moses teachings.  Compassion for migrants came from OT and NT etc.

 

So  let’s pray “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”