Family Ties

I've been thinking a lot about the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus.  First of all, they were cousins. That is huge, really.  Remember that Mary went to stay with Elizabeth, her cousin.  I believe that Jesus and John, these cousins that were only 6 months apart, were pals as kids.  It started when Mary first arrived at Elizabeth's and John lept within her womb.  They were bonded.  I think that they romped the country side together, wrestled (they were boys!) and shared their hearts, for God the Father had imparted weighty tasks upon each of them.  I bet that they were together in Jerusalem when they were both 12. Remember... the time that Jesus stayed behind discussing the Scriptures at the temple. I bet John "rolled his eyes" when he heard that Jesus wasn't with the group on the return trip.  Yep, Jesus, his cousin, had a seriousness and responsibility about him that was different than the other guys.  John grew up knowing that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world.

God's call on John's life led him to be that voice calling out,  "The Messiah is coming, get ready."  He was convinced of what he proclaimed.  Jesus was his cousin and John knew his true identity.

It is not surprising to read John's response when Jesus come to the river where John was baptizing those who were getting ready for the Messiah by confessing their sins.  Jesus asked John baptize him and John looked at him with a face of, "You are kidding me, right?"

Then he responded, "What are you thinking?  I can't baptize you.  First of all, these people are confessing their sins.  You don't have any sins.  You know that; I know that!  Second of all, they are preparing for the coming of the Messiah.  You are the Messiah.  You know that; I know that.  If anything, YOU should be baptizing me!"

It is interesting that just a little while later, John wrestled with his own doubts.  His outspokenness for righteousness got him in trouble and he was put in prison.  While sitting in prison, discouragement began to set in, leading to doubt.  He sent his friends to ask Jesus, "Are you really who you claim to be and who I have always believed you to be? You know, it is because I've embraced this with you that I am sitting here in prison."  Maybe John thought they would rise to power together. After all, they were cousins.  Instead, John was wasting away in prison.  Had he gotten on the wrong bandwagon?

I've been there.  I am convinced that Jesus is the Savior of the world.  I'm in!  I believe that He can, does and will do mighty things in my life, the lives around me and in the world beyond.  I have seen it and been a part of it.  I know!

However, like John, day to day life breeds discouragement.  Embracing the Messiah's way of life is against the grain these days.  It can result in rejection, judgment and in some places even imprisonment and death. Sometimes I am like John as I think, "Are you really who you claim to be and who I have believed you to be?"

Jesus response is simply this,  "Look again on what you know and have heard.  I heal and make whole.  My heart is for the poor.  You are and will be blessed if you don't turn away from me even though it has or may result in difficulties."

I must look again.
 "What ever is true, honorable and right...let your mind dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8

Display of Power: Man's Way vs. God's Way

Following the news these days is unsettling.  Actually, it isn't anything different than the past 4000+ years.  Man seeks to display his power over other man by means of subduing him.  Today it is nuclear threats from N. Korea.  Man shows and gets power by destruction.  The pattern hasn't changed.

This morning I was struck by Jesus display of power. He was not here to destroy, but to seek and to save those that are lost.

A man is brought to Jesus who is paralyzed. It is interesting, first, that Jesus doesn't deal with the outward obvious.  Instead, Jesus tells the man to be encouraged because his sins are forgiven.  The religious leaders have a problem with this because man doesn't have that kind of power.  They know who does.  That is why they say, "Who does he think he is anyway, God?"

Jesus, in His usual pointed way, let's them know that it wasn't just words.  Then to show the power behind the words, rather than destroy those doubting his power, He simply looks at the paralyzed man and tells him to get up, pick up his mat and go home.  Boom! That's it!  The man jumps up, picks up his mat and goes home!  (Matthew 9: 1-7)

Power.  Everyone recognized it that day.  The immediate result:  they praised God for sending a man with such power.

Am I basking in that power displayed to me in His great love, compassion, patience and forgiveness towards me?  Am I displaying His power through love, compassion, patience and forgiveness towards others?  Are there other ways that He would show His power through me?  Lord, I let me be your conduit.