Jesus went to his own crucifixion without a struggle. He voluntarily sacrificed himself, so that we would be able to believe all that he had been teaching us. It was his way to give us the one miracle that would convince the sceptical, who doubted his authority.
"Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing."
What were we supposed to think?
Were we meant to have the kind of love for Jesus that found his madness endearing, such that we almost pitied him and wanted to protect him? Still, we find his love and wisdom amazing, and don't even begin to understand his power to change people. But always, we trust him, and try to believe what he says about God, as his Father. Can it really be true that He is God's son, and that we may every one be adopted? For this he would give his life for us, so that our sins would be forgiven, and God could relent from his decree of the consequences for sin, and defend us from Satan's claim of death. All that He asks is for us to repent, to follow Him, to turn our lives back toward God, and to love each other with compassion and service.
But just when it looked like He was ready to start doing more than simply teach, He was arrested, put on trial by the religious and civil authorities, and then crucified. It was a terrible way to go, but He suffered it all meekly, as if He felt He deserved it. And at the very last, He prayed for us to be forgiven. His death was a crushing tragedy, burning the hope from our hearts.
And something amazing happened! On the third day, He rose from the dead, just as He had promised! His friends went to his tomb, to properly care for his body, but it was gone! They retreated into hiding. Shortly thereafter, Jesus found them and came to speak to them, and showed them that He was really alive, although his body was transformed in ways we can't quite imagine! And he stayed and taught them for several weeks, even appearing in public before about 500 or more people. Then, He said He had to go to his Father in Heaven, and ascended, in full view of a crowd of witnesses. And all of their stories agreed in the essential details, and in what he said to them.
No one in their right mind would make this up. Such a story would get you killed. But his disciples told it anyway, because it was so real to them that they believed it proved all that Jesus said was true. For them, he was not just the promised Messiah. He was the Son of God! And they believed that they would also go with Him to Heaven. So they chose to follow his example, and do what he said, even though they knew it would lead to their deaths. These people were not lying. Liars make poor martyrs.
There can only be one explanation. Jesus actually rose from the grave. God gave Him the power to pick up his own life again. Doesn't that prove He was right all along?!!
It boggles the mind to consider the possibility, and the consequences.
"May Adonai bless you and protect you! May Adonai deal kindly and graciously with you! May Adonai lift up his countenance upon you and grant you peace!" (Torah, Numbers 6:24-26) And Jesus said, "Allow the little children to come unto me. Forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God. Truly, I say unto you, unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a little child does, you shall not enter therein." (New Testament, Mark 10:14-16)
Sojourning at an Oasis Paradise
My purpose for living this life, and for writing this blog, is to understand the faith that links us to God. I wish to explore and discuss the reality at the heart of all of the world's religions. This is an immense task, but I know that God also has faith in us, trusting that we do desire the truth, as well as freedom, love and wisdom. Thus, as always, He meets us halfway. Even as God has given us individual souls, so we must each of us trace out an individual pathway to God. Whether we reside in the cities of orthodox religion, or wend our solitary ways through the barren wastelands, God watches over us and offers us guidance and sustenance for the journey.
Most of what you will see here is the result of extensive personal study, combined with some careful speculation. Occasionally, I may simply offer some Scripture or an inspirational text. I am a wide reader, and the connection of some topics and ideas to matters of faith and religion may not seem immediately obvious, but perhaps I may spell it out in the end... or maybe, you will decide that it was just a tangent. Anyway, I hope that you will find my meanderings to be spiritually enlightening, intellectually stimulating, or at least somewhat entertaining.
Most of what you will see here is the result of extensive personal study, combined with some careful speculation. Occasionally, I may simply offer some Scripture or an inspirational text. I am a wide reader, and the connection of some topics and ideas to matters of faith and religion may not seem immediately obvious, but perhaps I may spell it out in the end... or maybe, you will decide that it was just a tangent. Anyway, I hope that you will find my meanderings to be spiritually enlightening, intellectually stimulating, or at least somewhat entertaining.
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