With the insults to Christ and his followers recently by men like Bill Maher, Christopher Hitchens and Jack Black, I am reminded by those who insulted Him while He was here on earth. On his way to the cross Jesus was insulted, ridiculed, reviled and viscously attacked verbally. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying…save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God! In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him. Matthew 27: 39-43.
Every insult then and now was nailed to his cross and crucified with him there. There is forgiveness for all of us at his cross, even those who insult him. Jesus does not want revenge, he is not angry; he only wants us to be forgiven. On the cross he prayed “Father forgive them they do not know what they are doing.” Forgiveness can be found at the cross. A thief who was crucified beside him believing that Jesus was the Son of God simply asked him “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23: 42-43.
In tears the apostle Paul said that “many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction…and their glory is in their shame.” Philippians 3: 18-19. When Jesus is insulted, our tears are not because of the insult, our tears are for the insulters.
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4 comments:
Hi Gary. You're so sweet. I find it very hard to pray for or forgive those who insult Jesus. I think they're clueless and deceived, but that's about all.
It's when Christians live as enemies of the cross of Christ that I grieve. Or when Christians belittle the gospel or misinterpret it yet declare themselves to still be Christians. Then I grieve. Great post. -C
-C
We see this so much on TV, Radio and sadly in public. I have lost many friends for the fact I have given my life to Chirst. I am not ashamed to say and to tell anyone I am a child of God. I myself have been insulted many times for being a follower, but I know God will take care of me for my eyes and heart are open to his word and his love. He is my salvation! I am not ignorant and blind as some are. Insulting him is denying Him. In the end, they will suffer. The gates will be open to all God's children and the others will be turned away. Its sad that people have to be this way after all Jesus Christ did for them(all of us).
Pray for the insulters. Great post!
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