Many writers and thinkers have suggested that we live in an age of narcissism. This concept is based on the mythological god named Narcissus, who very predictably fell in love with himself after a goddess, whom he rejected, cursed him with self-infatuation. Judas’ behavior predictably resembles Narcissus and some other betrayers in the Bible like Absalom. That earlier “son of David” was a predictably self-absorbed and manipulative individual. Absalom used his manipulative charm to win the hearts of the common people. He predictably tried to take over his father's throne. Absalom, Judas and Narcissus all exemplify our personal hubris (character glitch) that predictably kicks in when we think or behave like we know what is really best for us and those around us – instead of God Almighty.
Palm Sunday is based on Matthew 21:1-11, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem during the Passover feast. Many people who cheered and chanted the entry greeting “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord – Hosanna in the Highest” – many of them used this passage from Psalm 118, precisely because it was the prophetic greeting for a victorious king entering Jerusalem. But less than a week later those same people had seen no king like they had expected. They were telling themselves and God Almighty that THEY knew what was best for themselves and that THEY didn’t want this Son of God – this heavenly king of peace and righteousness.
They had a passion for a king they could manipulate with parades, compliments and political favors. But God had a passion for His chosen one to save us all from our petty spoiled selves. God’s passion won out as it was supposed to do. That’s why we call this coming week “The Passion of Christ.” As foretold in Isaiah He ‘gave His back to the smiters,’ and His ‘cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;’ He did not hide His face ‘from shame and spitting’ (50:4-9a). Yes, He “heard the whispering of many people and demons -- terror on every side!-- as they schemed together against Him, as they plotted to take His life. But He trusted in God His Father, O LORD, He said, "Thou art my God." (Psalm 31:15-16). “Though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).
Tragedy and pathos led up to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Judas Iscariot represents each one of us - as a fickle self-centered follower who cheers God on with pretended devotion on Palm Sunday and betrays, mocks and derides Him a few days later. Bipolar treacherous hearts beat against the steady forgiving love of God through Jesus Christ on the cross.
I have turned against God and betrayed the love of Jesus, while expecting only the worst from God in return. Then when God didn’t punish me I have occasionally chosen to continue to punish myself in spite of God’s forgiveness and grace. I won’t go so far as to try suicide, but I have thrown money or something else back at the people or things that were involved with my wrongdoing, so as to make myself feel better, like Judas giving back the 30 pieces of silver in disgust or out of remorse.
When I resign myself like Judas – to try to undo the wrong by myself - repenting under my own strength and becoming hopeless, then I will inevitably – predictably - fail. When I shoot at the sinful targets of unbelief and self-centeredness – God’s prevenient grace and love has blown and steered circumstances around my misguided arrows to His unpredictable will – in spite of my worst intentions.
Here is the great hope for those who draw near to God: if Judas’ betrayal became part of the best way to bless all creation, then how much greater will God bless us all when we individually follow God’s will and truly accept God's grace. When I am less self-reliant or self-absorbed, then I begin to reestablish a right relationship with God.
The blood of Jesus can cleanse us of even the most awful sin. Jesus is always willing to forgive us and to receive us in love – just like He did on the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
We can choose to be unpredictable like Jesus and forgive those who have wronged us. Then God will in unpredictable fashion make us whole again.
Dear Heavenly Father, You enable us to embrace the joy and happiness that comes from forgiving and being forgiven. Your throne of mercy and grace is unequaled and far more glorious than any earthly ruler – including those we sinfully obey in our own hearts and minds when we sin against You. Forgive us Lord and teach us to forgive. Empower us to pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus Christ – in His name we pray, Amen.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment