(R) Adam Davidson

Today we remember the tragic crucifixion of Jesus, our Savior, Messiah, King, and Lord. Our brother Christ was murdered because He spoke the Truth. Motivated by His great love for us, He suffered for us, was buried, and rose from the dead. Obedient? Yes. Obedient to death? Oh yes. Will He rise? Absolutely. Just give it a few days.
Bad day? Yes.
Good day? Yes.

Jesus tells his disciples to go ahead of him and prepare a place, which is *exactly* what he does for us. Over the next three great days, I’m praying that my heart is truly prepared to celebrate Resurrection.

Confidence & compassion, even in the face of betrayal by a close friend. Judas is a spy, it’s an inside job, and yet… Jesus loves him and even shares the last supper with him.
What do we make of this?

Jesus says “Stand firm, and you will win life.” Rather than a pithy statement for a coffee mug, Jesus is talking about our suffering because of Him. The only way to win life is to lose it — we don’t win unless we’ve already lost.

Jesus turns the table on injustice and oppression. His followers are called to humbly do the same. We are to be people of the good.
At the same time, Jesus interrupts our personal economies and, quite honestly, it makes us mad. Discipleship isn’t easy. At our core, we’re as corrupt as the moneychangers.
What needs flipped out there (in the world) and in here (your heart)?

We make wild assumptions and bold faith declarations… and we fail. Jesus still loves us. We get humble and keep growing. Lord, help us all not to fall away…

Yesterday’s video was filtered by some social media b/c of explicit content. No, [RC] didn’t take a low-brow turn… it was because of the topic we covered. It upset some friends, seeing it as religious persecution. I don’t think it was, though I can’t be sure. What I can be sure of is this: Jesus tells us to expect persecution and to remember we’re no better than Jesus, who experienced the ultimate persecution. Thank God He did, right?

Jesus acknowledges trouble by reminding us He’s overcome the world. Today, as we shall until all is made new, we live in the tension between trouble and peace.
There are no easy answers, just a promise.

Here we are, struggling against wind and wave, and ever present Jesus is close but not invited into the situation. Are we so audacious as to assume we don’t need His power each day? Are we so self-sufficient that we don’t bother to ask for help before the day begins? Climb in and calm these waves down, though we may not yet fully understand…

He is most powerful, bringing the greatest threat & sweetest peace. Consider the presence of Jesus in your day, this Son of Man who walks on water and both terrifies and calms His followers. “Take courage, it’s me… don’t be afraid…” says Jesus, to our weary souls.