Obedience

When a new preacher comes to town, there is no end to the kind words.  Even before time has allowed enough to pass for the preacher to prove himself, it is assumed that he or she is the best thing since buttered bread.  I remember one place it was a bit different.  The church was going through a rough time and one woman said to me, "These people are expecting you to be a messiah and you better be it."  The one who had preached in that place before me had been crucified upon his departure and I knew the cross, hammer, and nails had only been put away, not forgotten.

 

When Jesus arrived in the Jerusalem that final Sunday of his life, He knew what was waiting for Him.  There were no end to the words of praise thrown His way as He entered the city.  The crowd was energized to crown Him King.  The religious authorities were not in His corner, but so many of the common folk were that those who held the power feared to act.  However, Jesus was not taken in by those who praised Him.  He knew the hammer and nails waited and that some of those who called for Him to be King would be calling for Him to die.

 

To read the story of Jesus is to realize that He went into the city fully aware of what was going to happen.  The only concern He had was obedience to the will of the Father.  He was not concerned about how many liked Him and much they would support Him.  What obedience required was for Him to give His life, not to have it taken from Him.  When the preacher or those who sit in the pews allow something other than obedience to God to become the issue, turmoil ensues.  Maybe even crucifixions.