Clay in the Hands

Thinking on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus causes me also to think on his life – how he lived, what he stood for and what he taught .  On more than one occasion, it is recorded that Jesus retreated into the hills around the lake or at least away from the crowds to regroup, refresh and spend some time alone with his Father.

My boys are out of school on Monday and we have closed the office, so we are headed to the mountains – Fort Davis to be exact.  I’m really looking forward to the time away, even just a day or so.  

I’m praying that God will start a mighty work in our church, our community and our world – and let it begin in me!

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We know about the physical suffering that Jesus endured through the cross event at the hands of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Romans.  But have you thought about the suffering inflicted by his own followers?  We celebrated Palm Sunday with a memory of all of Jesus’ followers waving branches and laying down cloaks in the path as Jesus passed.  The shouts were “Hosana” for the King.  Later that week, Peter told Jesus he would never forsake him, even if it meant death.

But as the week progressed and the closer Jesus got to the cross, fewer and fewer people stood beside him.  Have you considered the emotional and mental suffering Jesus must have experienced?  Jesus was left completely alone to walk that road by himself.  But the wonder of the cross is that Jesus chose it willingly.

Jesus’ sacrifice demands something of us.  It demands more than something – it demands everything – it demands that we die to ourselves and commit to live for Jesus every day.

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