03/26/2019
Jesus gave himself up for his disciples, and then on the cross He did the same for us. We often speak of the meekness and humility of Christ, but those characteristics cloaked the strength He held within. Do you look at His sacrifice as weakness, or strength? What about the Christlike behavior of those around you?
“So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one."”John 18:7-9 ESV
We all know people in our lives who sacrifice for others, but sometimes it just isn’t obvious; they quietly go about a selfless life of giving themselves.
My father fought in two great wars; he enlisted to fight in the first one as a private, and by the time the second had ended he had reached the rank of Major, and been decorated a number of times for valor. Yet if you met him after his retirement, dressed in his fishing hat, a plaid shirt, work pants, and old slip-on shoes, you would have found him to be a quiet unassuming man, large of stature, broad faced, with a gentle smile interrupted only by a pipe protruding from its corner, and a sweet swirl of smoke. Nothing about him visibly would reveal the strength that he carried within... but that strength was there in great abundance.
“Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.”John 18:4-6 ESV
Strength doesn’t always portray itself in bravado, and assertiveness; true strength doesn’t require an outward flamboyance to be felt. Sometimes its presence can be revealed in three simple words... “I am He.” I told you of my father who was a soldier, a man who was fearless and brave, a leader of men, and I also told you about the same man who was kind, loving, unassuming, and yet exhibited great inner strength.
After spending his youth in the army fighting wars, my father retired. He had a wife and five young children; so he went to work in an everyday job to support them... no more daring, no charging into battle, no laying of plans that held many lives in the balance... just a quiet unassuming job. Every day he would get out of bed, put on his clothes, do his fatherly duties around the house, and then go off to work. There was no fanfare, no danger, no daring, and no excitement, just going to work and earning a living. As a boy I saw both men, but my younger siblings only really knew the man in the plaid shirt. Year in and year out he went to work every day; a quiet man who was sacrificing himself in a routine job for the family he loved. This became his duty, and he was suppressing his desire to be the adventurer, the soldier, the gallant leader, and the bold warrior, so that his family would have what they needed. It took strength to do this, not physical strength, but an inward strength of character that was often not obvious... unless of course you knew both men. No one noticed much how he led a minimal personal life of very few clothes, driving old vans, and making do so that his family could have the things in life they needed... a nice home, food in abundance, schooling, and a safe place to grow. It was an incredible display of strength, determination, and sacrifice. In the end he walked out the back door of his home, passed by his beat up Old Van in the driveway, and crossed the street to return a borrowed book... he died of heart failure in the dark that night leaning against the front door of the house across the street. A runner passing by thought he was a burglar and called the police... they found him there on his knees, leaning against the door. They had no idea of the strength this man contained, or the character he exuded... it had all been given up for others.
So Jesus walked out of the Garden of Gethsemane a prisoner, where he was beaten, whipped, taunted, spit on, and crucified, all in silent surrender for those he loved. He knew ahead of time that this was going to happen and yet He continued on... in amazing inner strength and resolve. In humility and meekness He gave himself, but He was not defeated... this was His victory, and this was the will of God.
“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV
How many people in our life place others before themselves, and sacrifice for those they love? Do they stand on the corner shouting as they do so, or is it a quiet unassuming display of inward character? Do they receive their reward in this world, or are they heaping up treasure in heaven? Sometimes we sell people short, and quite often they are the ones that are closest to us, the husband or wife, a father or mother, the brother or sister, or perhaps the man or woman at work, or church. Is there someone in your life today that gives and gives without asking for anything in return? Is there an image of Jesus right before your face that you dismiss as simply weak, unassuming, or easily put upon? Look around you again, and see the humility and meekness of those who are there with fresh eyes. Look at them the way Jesus would like to look at you.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the meek; thank you for the mild and gentle people in my life who give of themselves as Jesus did, and ask so little in return. Thank you for their quietness, and for my having to search them out because they are not loud and obvious in what they do. Thank you for the silent strength that overshadows all others. Thank you for the love that fuels such people, and drives them on. Help me Holy Father to be more like your Son Jesus with each passing day, and help me to suppress my own selfish desires so that I can go about doing your will without the need for fanfare or recognition. Reveal to me the true nature of your grace, merciful father, and teach me how to employ it in my life... giving unselfishly, and not asking compensation in return. Give me the strength of character needed to exhaust myself for others, even those who belittle me for the effort. Help me to love unconditionally, and see the good in those who spit upon me, just as Jesus did. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God whose strength, and might, is without bounds, and yet whose gentleness and love overshadows all. Praised be your name for the grace you pour out on us, and for the sacrifice of your Son Jesus who came quietly as a servant, and a lamb to the altar for us. All Glory is yours Lord, and humble as you are, we lift up your name before all heaven and earth! Great is our Lord, and greatly to be praised!
Rich Forbes