As we look at various scenes of life, perhaps we draw conclusions relative to the actions of others and think “That wouldn’t have been me” or “That would have been me” when perhaps we should humbly consider “That could have been me.” Even as we consider those around the cross at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion — the Jewish leaders, the soldiers, others watching, etc. — where might we have been?
For many of the Jewish leaders, things had gone pretty well until Jesus came along. Though they looked for the coming Messiah, He did not fit the bill for them. It wasn’t just tables Jesus overturned (i.e. John 2:15) but their ideas of religion as well. They were losing some of their following as there were those who noted Jesus’ teaching as different. (i.e. Matthew 7:28-29) Because Jesus was willing to reach out to the outcast, they condemned Him for those associations. (i.e. Matthew 9:11; 11:19) And on top of that, Jesus messed with their sabbath understanding. (Matthew 12:10; Mark 3:2; Luke 13:14; Luke 6:1-5; John 5:15-17) Then we come to the time of the final Passover during our Lord’s earthly walk and — despite the specialness of this annual observance — the leaders were guilty of having Him crucified.
We read. . .
“(31) Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away.” (John 19:31 ESV)
Preparation day for a high Sabbath; that associated with a Passover week and so to them one of special sanctity. This Sabbath was the “megale e emera” which in Greek is literally “great the day”. They didn’t want to mar it. They wanted the bodies removed so they could get on with their special Sabbath day. Forget the fact they’d just had their Messiah crucified and sought false witnesses to testify against Him in order to fulfill their deed. (Matthew 26:59-66). No problem crucifying an innocent one — as even Pilate saw Him (John 19:4 & 6) — but they would follow through on strict observance of outward ceremony. Ceremonially right, but morally and spiritually wrong!
Now here is where I need to pause for a moment. Have I ever been guilty of feeling, “Don’t mess with my Sunday!” while not being as mindful of holiness on the other days of the week? Before I too quickly point the accusing finger at others, I must humbly look at myself. As every day is a gift from God, what does my use of each one reveal regarding my view of the Giver of it? Does my manner of living express due appreciation for the Divine gift it is? Or do I go through Sunday “rituals” and then leave righteousness behind as I exit the building to take on a new week?
Paul exhorted Christians at Rome. . .
“(1)I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (2) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2 ESV)
Every day I need to remain mindful of the manner in which I live; that my life be lived and put to use to glorify God. My due worship is not merely in what takes place in an assembly on Sunday, but includes the manner in which my life is lived on a daily basis. Unless I allow the Sovereign Will and righteousness of God to reign in my life, regardless of what I might do on Sunday, my life will be a mess.
As in the words of a hymn by an unknown writer: “My heart, my mind, my body, my soul I give to You, take control. I give my body a living sacrifice. Lord, take control, take control.”
Yes, Lord! For my sake and Your glory, take control that every day be a high day lived for You!
Have a great day FOCUSED TO LIVE EACH DAY AS A HIGH DAY TO THE GLORY OF THE LORD!
Carl
