Give it up
If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” John 11:48
Have you ever been afraid of losing? Losing something important or precious to you? Losing your job or home or even a position you currently hold? These thoughts can be daunting and even intimidating if you allow yourself to dwell on them too long.
In today’s reading, the Pharisees of Jesus’ day were afraid of losing. They were afraid of losing their position of authority with the Hebrew people and their nation to the romans. It seemed that even though they were under the oppressive rule of the Roman government they were happy to continue on, just as they were. They were able to keep the Jewish people in line with their rules and policies about who could and could not come to worship or be a part of the council. Now that Jesus was on the scene, they were afraid of losing control, not that they had it to begin with, but in their thinking, they were allowed to conduct business as usual with Roman oversite and that seemed good to them. So good, in fact that they were willing to offer Jesus up to pay the penalty simply because He worked many signs and wonders. Jesus came to set the people free from the sin of the world, but the religions leaders of His day could only see what was happening to them in that day.
Sounds familiar right? Just like many people are today, happy to live in their own little world without looking at the bigger picture. Sure, there are a lot of opportunities to reach out and pray with others that are hurting and lost without a Savior, but that would require to step out of the comforts and safety of not doing anything and instead reaching out like Jesus did. You can try to mind your own business and not help this hurting world, but that is not what we are called to. Our job as the family of God is to take notice and offer help when you see that lost and dying person on your way.
The biggest problem, I believe is that people are afraid of losing. Losing time, losing money or even losing their respect and reputation. Many people and I would dare say most are afraid that if they reach out to help someone they do not even know, they will be taken advantage of or even worse looked down on by their sphere of influence because of the association with an undesirable person.
Don’t be that person that is afraid of what others will think if you open your heart to love the unlovable, Don’t worry about losing face or even recourses if you give to others. Give your love and help freely to all and when you do, no one will ever be able to take advantage of you because you were the one who decided to give first. Love the world around you like Jesus did and don’t worry about what you may be giving up. He will make sure that all you need is added to you.
Today I want to encourage you to take a look at the world around you. Pay attention to the people who are lost and have no clue they could face eternity at any moment. Don’t turn a blind eye when you see the depressed and anxious person in your part of the world because it may make you look uncool if you reach out. Give up on posting your irritations and frustrations about the sinful acts that are sure to be seen in the world. Instead help them know the One who gave it all to rescue them from the deceptions of His enemy. Pray for others with the love of God that has been put into your heart. And remember, you will never lose if you give up your pride first.
Today’s Scripture Reading: John 11:45-57
45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.
46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.
47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.
48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”
49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”
51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,
52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.
53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.
54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.
55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.
56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?”
57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
The Daily Dose 