iCrucified

LENT—Day 34: “His way or No way” [2011APR12]

Scripture Meditation: (Jeremiah 25:8-17; John 9:18-41; John 12:23-26; Psalm 62:1-8)

I don’t really have a lot of commentary on these passages… I’m still meditating and considering their relationship. For the moment my heart is burdened; some measure of my burden is for my own short-comings, other heaviness is for men and women who claim “they are able to see.”

Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind…If you were blind you wouldn’t be guilty, but you remain guilty because you claim you can see.” –Jesus (John: 9:35-41)

I wish I could say I never waver between these two descriptions, but I claim to see and still I struggle with obedience. I don’t think that is ok. How right is a heart that doesn’t fully obey or is reluctant to allow full transformation? (Luke 6:46; John 14:15) When we are called (when Jesus calls us) to fully die to self yet justify our reasons for not doing exactly that… I wonder how much “sight” we truly have gained. In the following discourse Jesus explains the only way to enter his rest, his glory, and eternal communion with the Triune Godhead.

²³ Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. ²⁴ I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. ²⁵ Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. ²⁶ Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. (John 12:23-26)

The alternative of this invitation or rejection of the invitation is horrifying in its implication and outcome… even more terrifying is the fact that we (those who claim to see, but still reject full obedience) continue to justify our reluctance to deny ourselves and wholly commit to the way of Jesus. Here’s one word that the Word speaks to our insolence.

Because you have not listened to me, I will completely destroy you and make you an object of horror and contempt and a ruin forever. (Jeremiah 25:8-9)

I’m not in despair. I’ve much hope and assurance and I’m grateful for the Word of Jesus that shows me my “blind” spots and tells me to press on…pushing me to raise the bar. We are his holy people and His Holy Spirit is all we need to raise us one and all to reflections of His glory…each of us shining glorious examples of Christ living in us that reflect the awesome wonder and glory of our Great God.

I wait quietly before God for my victory comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8 NLT)

For I, YAHWEH, your GOD, I grasp you by your right hand; I tell you, “Do not be afraid, I shall help you.” Happy are they all who fear the LORD, and who follow in His ways. I will exalt you, O GOD my King, and bless your Name for ever and ever. (Isaiah 41:13; Psalm 128:1; Psalm 145:1)

O GOD, who has given us the great and saving truths of your gospel: grant us, we ask you, to live amid these things, to meditate upon them and to seek them; for one who goes seeking, finds. Help us, therefore, to learn those things on earth, the knowledge of which shall abide with us in heaven. Grant this for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. –Jerome