Rejected by the Gentiles
My first taste of being unjustly accused was in kindergarten.
It was play time and the class had just finished a painting project. Each
masterpiece was strategically laid out on the floor to dry in the kitchen area.
At some point two of my classmates ran through that area and over the top of
the paintings. The teacher was furious when she discovered the footprints. She
had warned us all not to go into that space. She demanded we all gather around
and admit who had run over the paintings.
One student hesitantly raised her hand. The teacher said,
“Who was with you?” The girl pointed at the child next to me, but Mrs. Gerhartz
thought I was the culprit. She raised her voice again telling the girl to sit
behind the piano. Up to that point, my favorite teacher, then took me by the
hand, pulled me over to the piano, slapped my hands and forcefully sat me down
behind the piano with the other offender. I sobbed.
Things changed that day.
Jesus was brought before Herod and wrongly accused by the
Jews. Then he was presented to Pilate and condemned by Gentiles.
Things changed that day.
I do not mean to minimize the intensity of Jesus plight
by comparing it to my kindergarten experience but things do change as a result
of learning to follow the will of God and live our lives as Jesus did. I have
had many experiences since that day in kindergarten when my character,
intentions or faith were wrongly judged. Lashing out never brings about
positive results. Grace always wins.
As we step into the Father’s will it is no longer about
our feelings or hurts. Worldly power is temporary. True power is sacrifice.
No matter what our age, when we make it about God and not
ourselves, we don’t feel the pain in the same way. When we leave things in the
hands of the Father we truly can get through anything.
“When your eyes
are on the storm, you wonder if I love you still.
But when your eyes
are on the cross, you know I always have and I always will.”
(Lyrics by Casting Crowns)
Listen to/Read Luke23:13-25
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