THE OPPOSITIONAL VOICE OF JESUS CHRIST

THE OPPOSITIONAL VOICE OF JESUS CHRIST

In yesterday’s devotional, it was an honor and privilege to post some of the powerful words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Reading them again caused me to reflect on Who HE is and who WE have become.

While so many in the arena of politics and in the realm of entertainment claim close connections to Christ (with such pride, audacity and ease), the teachings of Jesus are a stern rebuke to our societal values and lifestyles.

In effect, the message of Jesus is a perennial proclamation to us: ‘Don’t believe the hype!’  Don’t rely on the silver screen, the latest song lyrics, or a popular political movement for truth.  Indeed, they are all lying – all speaking only half-truths at best.

Jesus Christ declares that the poor in spirit are blessed, as opposed to the rich who (according to Him) will enter into His Kingdom with great difficulty due to a greater love for goods than for God.

Jesus Christ suggests that the mourners are blessed because they shall be surrounded and sustained by His comforting presence and power.

Jesus Christ contends that those who hunger and thirst for His righteousness are blessed because they find themselves seeking His face and fellowship, not dashing for dollars, rands, francs, yuans, rubles, pesos, pounds, or euros.

Jesus Christ challenges us all with two primary questions: 1) “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”  2) “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37)

I firmly believe that western civilization has morphed into a rat race for prosperity, prestige, positions and possessions.  And I am gravely concerned that the institutional church (not the invisible church) has become a co-dependent, compromising and willing partner in a material quest that leads us further away from the truth and distances us from our Creator.

So let’s resolve to do something radically different.  Let’s tune out any and all voices that contravene the message and mission of The Anointed One.  It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway: Christ is all! 

He alone is “the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)  

HE ALONE…neither presidents, nor prime ministers, nor royalty, nor captains of industry, nor clergy, nor congress, nor courts, nor world-class athletes, nor superstar entertainers, nor anyone else.  

HE ALONE.

Anything else (no matter how gleaming its glow or attractive its allure) is only vain, secondary, destructive and futile. (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!