“Are You Not Entertained? Are You Not Entertained? Is This Not Why You Are Here?” General Maximus (Gladiator)
“they took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, indeed, the King of Israel!” John 12:13 NIV
I was recently having lunch with Adam, one of my favorite people in this World and the Holy Spirit had me utter words too profound for me alone when I said: “Congregations are so fickle, it drives pastors to be incredibly inauthentic.” Adam’s response was: “This was such a profound insight. I’ve been thinking about it nonstop. That comment has really helped me to extend grace where I have before been quick to judge. Love you.” Please pray for your Pastor today, this weekend and every day. They are called to lead and appointed in a time of incredible confusion and inauthenticity.
Today, on this day of silent confusion, the day between, I often wonder what the various people involved in Jesus’ life and death uttered to themselves. “Why?” “Now what?” “That was fun, hanging with my friends and encouraging the death of that guy.” “Could the leaders have been right?” “What about the earthquake? The darkened skies?” “How do we make sure no one finds out about the temple curtain ripping from top to bottom?” “What about the ‘holy people’ who came out of their tombs when he died?’ How, how do we maximize this to instill fear, quell questioning, gain greater control, increase giving to and membership in the Temple?” “How do we put the genie back in the bottle?” You don’t!
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:50-54 NIV
I imagine Jesus’ mother, Mary asking his brothers, James and Joseph, ‘what has happened’ as she dealt with the shock of her beloved and guiltless son’s murder. We know Jesus’ closest friends and followers scattered and hid. We know that fear reigned because understanding had not arrived. We know the mob won in the moment as leaders of the day congratulated themselves for ridding their closely held and controlled world of the greatest risk they had ever experienced…and so they thought.
Fast forward approximately 1,991 years (AD) and we find ourselves in the time between, much like the day between Jesus death, burial and resurrection. We find ourselves in a time where the leaders of these days desire to deny truth in exchange for pacifying the mob. Where polling of the mood of the moment supersedes all factual defense of truth. Where ‘entertainers’ can influence our children and those lukewarm in their faith with the press of a button. A time where authenticity is surrendered for popularity. It seems that Jesus died and rose again for the defense, the hope, the assurance of eternity to those who believe in him for a time like the days in which we are living…and times that every human has lived since his death and most importantly, his resurrection.
The Amplified Bible translation succinctly defines the chasm between Believers and the mob in Revelation 3:16 where John writes “So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]”
So in this ‘between’ day, I believe there was heart surgery occurring in and through Jesus’ followers. This was the day that would define the lives of those committed to the Christ. The day where the question Peter had uttered to Jesus came into focus: “Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” (John 6:68 NLT).
This was a day of complete confusion and despair for all except He who mattered. Our Father in Heaven, mourning the death of His only begotten son. Cueing up the Heavenly celebration of death’s defeat. Displaying in real time the parable of the prodigal son’s return home. Awaiting to clothe His son in majesty and splendor for all time, for a job perfectly done. A day where death became life and truth remained truth. Where hope surrendered to promise and promise to eternal connection with the Father for those who believe.
“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 KJV
What a beautiful day this day of waiting is.
You’ve got this because He’s got you.