As I was reading and reflecting on Scripture this morning I found myself observing the way people responded to Jesus. Everyone seemed to be looking for a Messiah, a Savior, but in accordance to what they believed a Savior should be. For most, a political, military ruler who would come riding in on a white horse, sword in hand, and destroy the rule of Rome. Few were thinking of a Messiah who was going to come in humility and servanthood, be crucified as a common criminal, and be killed by the authorities as he was nailed to a cross. That just wasn't the way it was supposed to be. Besides, it wasn't convenient to be a follower of Jesus. "Pick up your cross and follow me?" You just might get killed. Doesn't sound too convenient to me.
But isn't that what we've made Jesus to be? A convenient Savior? I mean really, we all want a Savior don't we? We all want to be saved from sin. We all want to be forgiven of our misdeeds. We all want to be put right with God. We all want to experience God's love. Yet, when push comes to shove, how much do we really want Jesus to "intrude" in our lives? We like when we are in control. We like to do things our own way. When things are going well, do we really need Jesus anyway? But what about those other times?
How quickly do we suddenly turn to God when things aren't going so well? When our marriages are falling apart, all of a sudden we look to Jesus (or at least a Savior of some kind). When we face a life threatening injury or our health fails, we turn to Jesus. When our kids make a wrong decision or we make a wrong decision that has dire consequences, we turn to Jesus. Even when our car breaks down on the highway, all of a sudden we are praying to Jesus.
Is it really about convenience? I've heard that word a lot lately when it comes to worship, to personal time with God, to reaching out to others in need. "If we just offer a time to worship when it's convenient, everyone will be happy". "I'll take time to pray and study when it's convenient and fits into MY schedule". "I'll take time to love my neighbor, as long as it is convenient for me".
Was it convenient for Jesus to empty himself of his divinity and squeeze himself into flesh to come to us a babe born in a manger? Was it convenient for Jesus to be mocked and laughed at and scorned, even as he was healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, touching the untouchables, and forgiving sins? Was it convenient for Jesus to be whipped, beaten, and nailed to a cross on our behalf? I don't think so.
I think we must be very careful when it comes to playing the "convenience card" as it relates to what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. If it was all about conveneience, Jesus would never have left heaven on our behalf. Thankfully it was all about his great love for each and every one of us, that he was willing to give of his all on our behalf that we might be saved from sin, that we might have life, abundant life, both now and for eternity. And it was and is all about a relationship with God that is not based upon when it works best for us or when it doesn't. It's about saying yes to Jesus to be our Savior every minute of every day, not just when we "need" him.
I want to encourage you all to think about your relationship with Christ. Life is too much of a roller coaster ride to sporadically call upon Jesus only when life is falling apart. Jesus wants so much more for you and your life - joy, hope, confidence, assurance, blessings, and of course, right relationship with God and with each other.
Don't forget, Jesus turns to each and every one of us, just like his followers in Scripture and says, "Follow me". He did not add the words "if it is convenient". JUST something to ponder.
