I'm not one of those friends who asks the intrusive question. I will be the friend to listen if you have a problem, need help, or seek advice. But if you're facing a struggle and you're bombarded by doubt and fear, worried that others may change their opinion of you because of the choices you've made... I'm not the one who will intrude and ask you to air your dirty laundry. I just don't think it's my place to pull back the curtains drawn on the parts of other's lives that they would rather keep private. If they want to share... they will share. But good friends don't intrude where they were not invited. And they certainly do their best to understand other's perspective. But can you imagine what it would have been like to be one of Jesus' friends... one of His chosen disciples? I mean, He always had quite a lot on His mind... always getting up early heading off to pray. And the things He said were such a mystery back then before the rest of the story was known. I think I would have been one of those disciples that are not really mentioned much. You know, the quiet ones who didn't ask questions, but just simply stood nearby listening, trying to take it all in. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying. Luke 9:43-45 NKJV Yep, that would have been my part in the story... they were afraid to ask Him about this saying. Because I don't want to intrude, I don't want to make Him feel bad, or worry more about what was to happen. I mean, from a worldly perspective I guess it seemed that Jesus had a negative outlook on life. Like He was suspicious of others or worried what they thought of Him. When in fact, it was prophesied and necessary that they falsely accused Him so He could live His perfect life and give Himself to die for our sins, an offering, a sacrifice. He, in no way, was worried what others thought of Him. He set His mind, steadfast and knowing that what He did and said would cause division. But how hard to understand in the middle of it. These men He chose... they had to be truly special, brave, of excellent character. For Jesus chose to place into their care the weight of the entire church. All of the glory of His purpose had to be told by them. For if they neglected it, we would not know anything about Him today. We would be living lives without hope of eternity. So even when they heard Him speak of difficult things... things they did not understand, that caused them fear to ask about, they still stuck with Him as friend. I would hope that I could have been counted on as a disciple in Jesus' day. I would hope that He would have chosen me as one of the twelve had I been alive in His day. But this is the time He has planned my purpose. And therefore, I will write of my gratitude for the twelve. For their friendship, brotherhood, bravery, commitment, unity and love forged forward into history and given us, the church and the hope of glory; that we know today this salvation in Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the disciples of Jesus Christ. They were faithful friends even when they didn't understand. Word of God train me today... To be a true friend, who listens and stands by those You have placed in my life. To trust those whom You have given me as friends, and be united with them in spreading Your glory.
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January 2019
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