KNOW THE PEOPLE

In this Holy Week, let's turn to the most basic lesson about Jesus and us, this historical, wonderful relationship between ourselves and our God.  We are to share it! And it is hard for some of us to do so.  Scripture tells us that it has always been difficult. In Ex. 32:21,22, "Moses said to Aaron, 'What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin on them?'  And Aaron answered, 'Do not let the anger of my Lord burn hot; you know the people, that they are  bent on evil.'"


Just as the original sin of Adam and Eve showed how each one blamed the other, so did Aaron blame the people for his lack of judgment as a leader when he allowed the people to build and bow to the golden calf.  Let's all understand that within the human being there is a burning to disobey God's laws and to say, "I'm in charge!"  This is the greatest hurdle of humankind--submission of our will to God's ways.


If we should find ourselves straying from God's plan, we must recognize our human nature to disobey. Our own will never rests; it just waits for an opportune time to show itself.  We need to hang a sign on our refrigerator door that will remind us: "I will my will (to be) God's will."  We each need to remember two things; if we are leaders, people may disappoint us as there will always be people who go against God's will, and second, each of us must, as God's children, work diligently at giving up our own will.


This week is an historical week. Centuries ago, our Lord was raised up to die on a cross.  Each one of us died with Him.  That is, our sinful nature died, if we believe Him and honor Him. That does not mean that we are free from sin, but we are free from eternal judgment for our sin. His death was our death to ourselves, self being the natural part of us which  always wants its own way. Some of us, it seems, never really go all the way in that death, but continue to hang on to our "selves" with scraped fingernails. Blessed is the one who is able to give himself or herself entirely up to God!


Lord Jesus, Only the power within your Holy Spirit can overpower the inborn tendency in my heart to rebel.  Have mercy on me.  Amen.


Jo INMN