Why He did What He did

Last night we presented our monthly production 'Kidz Central' before a huge audience. We had prepared hard in a short amount of time to present the virtue of determination on Halloween in conjunction with our church's "harvest festival." We faced many challenges in our task not the least of which was having a bunch of sick people trying to perform on stage. But we were a determined bunch, having listened to our own message, and we persevered. The production quality was good, the lines were delivered with energy and enthusiasm and it was arguably one of the best 'performances' we've put on. But something was not right. The audience which is normally attentive and encouraging was unruly and distracted. If you can imagine a play where the actors have to speak over the audience then you'll have an idea of what it was like. We were obstacles between the children and the candy and we just can't compete with chocolate. I was very disappointed and felt like our best efforts to present God's word, to a bunch of non-church-goers no less, fell far short of the mark.

But you know, there's nothing new in that. Whereas we are a bunch of people trying to do our best to honor God, we must contrast ourselves with a similar drama played out over the ages. You see, God sent His very best to deliver His word to a big bunch of unruly, unrepentant pretenders who wanted the 'candy' of eternal life. That drama didn't end with the stars going out to their cars and driving away, that drama ended with Jesus dying on a cross. And while we may have been disappointed that people didn't appreciate the production, I cannot imagine the disappointment that the disciples felt as they watched the Messiah's life ebb away in front of their eyes. I cannot fathom the disappointment that God experiences every time a person chooses to reject His Son.

Had I known yesterday that the crowd would respond the way they did, I surely would have stayed home and nursed my fever. So, it's good that God kept that from me for in my weakness, I would have failed.

But Christ knew how it was going to play out, he knew the pain that was coming yet he not only showed up, but he 'performed' (in the sense of his duties) to his very utmost. Why did he do this? We know from scripture that it was for the joy to come. But there was more and if we read the words of Jesus, we will get a glimpse. Consider;

John 17:24

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."

Jesus, wanted those given him (that would be ALL of us) to be with Him where He is. And where Jesus was, where He is and where He ever will be is in the perfect center of God's will. He wants us to be living out a life of obedience and service to God so that we may know the glory of a loving God.

So, I'm not going to be concerned ever again with how my performance may be received by men. I will redouble my efforts, refocus my mind and train my body to perform for the glory of God alone. Because I want them to be with me where I am, a broken man who has repented of his sins and received the substituionary sacrifice of Christ Jesus; a man who is on the narrow road to heaven and is reaching out his hand to help others find the gate that leads to the path of righteousness. I want them to know that in the same way that God has loved me since before I existed, He loves them. I am determined.

Carl