Luke 23: 1-25
Jesus' Trial before Pilate
Pilate was a Roman govenor. The pharasees and the people accused Jesus of calling himself the King of the Jews, leading riots and telling others to not pay taxes. Pilate did not find Jesus guilty on 3 different occasions and wanted to release him, but the people argued. In the end, Pilate did as the people requested, releasing a murderer and insurrecter, Barabbas, and crucifying Jesus, one who loved God and performed miracles.
From the passage, I am reminded how much Jesus suffered on our account. Everyday, we deny His work - his miracles and his acts of grace and compassion to us. For many of us every day is a blessing, but yet we often take it for granted. I ask myself, "What have I done for Christ?" I can only bow my head, for I haven't done nearly enough to show my love and gratitude. If this scripture were alive in me, I would treat every waking hour as precious gold or silver and use my time to do what is pleasing in God's eyes. What is pleasing? Sharing God's love with everyone and everything, including taking care of this planet and appreciating its natural splendor and beauty. This means not marvelling over man made structures and products, but seeing the wonder in nature. God is telling me to look at the bigger picture. It's not about what can I buy with the money I have to stock my shelves, but how can I use my gifts and resources to further the kingdom of God? I ask God to forgive me for my selfish desires and give me the will power to look beyond my materialist tendencies. I ask God to give me reminders to not fall back into the selfish ways of man.
1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12
Live to Please God
"This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. Non-Christians will respect the way you live..." 11,12)
Lead a quiet life. To me, this means a life that doesn't draw attention to glitz and glamour, but rather one with things money can't buy - love, honour and respect.
Minding my own business. Perhaps this is about not being sucked into gossip and giving my two cents about how others should live their life and saying things that I would regret.
Working with my hands. This could mean, not ordering others to do my work - but appreciating and living within my own means. Ensure no one suffers on my account.
I would safely say that I do practice all of these, but I am no where near living any of these fully. I ask God to forgive me for not living up to these standards all of the time and thank God for directing me how to please Him. I pray that God will help me live out these commands.
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