I Choose Good Over Evil

Romans 12:9-13


These 4 verses certainly pack a punch!  Paul does not mince words:  hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  What could be more direct than that, and yet, why do we find it so hard to live out?  All we have to do is go on social media (or for those of us who prefer, open up the daily newspaper) and we see example after example of evil:  wars, murder, leaders who lie, people who rob, cheat, and steal - and those are just the headlines!

What is the antidote to such self-centered, sinful behavior?  The author of Hebrews tells us to "fix our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2).  So let's take a look at Jesus, who led a perfect life, even as he was tempted just as we are tempted (Hebrews 4:15).

• Jesus was in constant communication with the Father (Luke 5:16)
• Jesus had a clear purpose (John 18:37)
• Jesus knew scripture, and applied it to his life (Matthew 4:3-10)

And this just scratches the surface.  When I am tempted to choose evil over good (and yes, that is a daily, sometimes hourly experience), I need to come closer to Jesus, and to ask him for his help.  He won't beat me up when I fail, but he will love me no matter what.  He will ask me to fix my eyes on him - what a promise of hope and forgiveness.

Lord, I so often choose evil over good.  Help me to come closer to you, and to choose you.  Amen.  

Jesus Takes a Victory Lap

It is May, the month that my favorite racing event occurs: The Indianapolis 500.

 

For about 3 hours, thirty-three cars travel at speeds of up to 220 mph, making 200 laps around the 2.5 mile oval. In most years there are accidents. In some years the race is close and in some years a slow pit stop (where the driver fills up his gas tank) costs the driver a race. There is one thing in common with all the races, however.

 

 

The winner travels makes an extra lap – the victory lap.

 

The victory lap gives the car’s engine a chance to cool down a bit. It also is a “just in case” lap, as in “just in case” someone made an error in counting and the winner only went 199 laps. Finally, the extra lap lets the crowd know who the winner is.

 

Today’s reading is 1 Peter 3:18-4:7. Peter tells us who Jesus is and what he did for us. He continues by stating how we ought to live, our response for the love Jesus showed us.

 

Peter says, “He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison…”

 

This is an obscure passage, yet is important to our faith. Jesus descended into hell, in spirit form, before going to heaven, where he had his resurrection, or glorified, body.

 

Jesus lived a perfect life. He survived 40 days of being tempted by Satan in the desert. He taught, he healed and he performed miracles. Most important, he took on all our sins so that we would be credited with none. The perfect lamb was truly a sacrifice for our wrong doings.

 

So what was Jesus doing in hell?

 

He wasn’t preaching the gospel, for we know that once you die your fate is sealed.

 

Jesus defeated death, the grave and Satan. He beat Satan on earth, and here, he defeated Satan on his own turf, hell.

 

Jesus was celebrating his life. He was letting everyone know who the winner was.

 

Jesus was taking a victory lap!