Some people don’t see God at work, they see religion at risk.

Jesus carrying cross

Jesus carrying the cross (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For example, consider what happened in the lead up to the torture, kangaroo court, humiliation and murder of Jesus Christ. “Many Jews who had visited Mary and had seen what Jesus had done believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council. They asked, ‘What are we doing? This man is performing a lot of miracles. If we let him continue what he’s doing, everyone will believe in him. Then the Romans will take away our position and our nation’ ” (John 11:45-48 God’s Word).

The religious leaders were only concerned about the politics of Jesus at work, and not the will of Almighty God.

Toby Mac has a popular song on the Christian music charts right now, and part of the chorus goes:

And where would I be without You?
I’d be packing my bags when I need to stay
I’d be chasing every breeze that blows my way
I’d be building my kingdom just to watch it fade away
It’s true

So what kingdom are you building that is already fading away? How many times do you follow a path of convenience or personal advancement instead of justice? When did you put something that cannot go to heaven above love for another Child of God? Have you ever felt like you were chasing every radio or TV evangelist or preacher only to find yourself bouncing back to another one because that was the last sermon or teaching you just heard?

While we can say God willed that Jesus should die as a sacrifice to save us from our sin and God’s anger at us for sinful behaviour, why did people have to be so vicious and cruel about it? Well, the answer lies in the verses from John 11. People don’t look for God to guide them, they react with power to protect their fading kingdom.

If Jesus is not the only reason that matters, if you have rules or tradition or turf to protect, if your system of belief is more important that generosity of spirit and respect, then you are the voices in John 11.

“Jesus’ speech made many of his disciples go back to the lives they had led before they followed Jesus. So Jesus asked the twelve apostles, “Do you want to leave me too?”
“Simon Peter answered Jesus, “Lord, to what person could we go? Your words give eternal life. Besides, we believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:66-69 God’s Word).

Take the life with Jesus as all, or it will be for nothing.