It Took A Crucifixion

While reading in Luke Chapter 22, we read where Judas brought the soldiers to capture Jesus. And where one of the followers drew his sword and cut off the guys ear. What did Jesus do? He put his ear back on and healed him right there on the spot. Now I don't know about you, but I think if I were that guy, and Jesus just put my ear back on and healed it, I would have to cross over to His side. I mean you tell me, what does it take?

Luke 22 v 49-51.....When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with a sword?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And He touched his ear and healed him.......

Well, for these it took a crucifixion. It took them humiliating, beating and hanging Jesus on a cross, and then some still didn't believe and to this day, some still do not believe. Even Peter denied Jesus when the chips were down. After having been with Him all this time, seeing all His miracles, and all of His good works, he still was afraid when the people accused him of being one of Jesus' followers.

What keeps us from sharing our faith with others? What makes us afraid to speak out about our Savior? What does it take for us to be bold about our Savior? We can go to a good sale on something and get so excited and tell everybody about it, and before you know it we have several more people going to buy the same pair of shoes just because it is such a good deal.

What better deal is there than the real deal, Jesus. I mean it doesn't cost you a thing. You get it all when you come to Him. You get more love than you can imagine, more joy than you will ever get from anyone, or anywhere else, and salvation to live forever with Him and the Father. You tell me, where is there a better deal than this? Why do we then have such a hard time sharing Him with others? Why do we have such a hard time saying His name when we are in public around others? But then in the privacy of our home, or at church where we feel it is ok to talk about Him we confess His name and even call on His name for help.

What will it take to bring us to the point that we do not care who hears us praying, who hears us calling out His name, who hears us worshiping and praising HIM? Does it take Him being crucified all over again. Every time we deny Him in front of others, it is the same as us taking that crown of thorns and pressing it down just a little harder on His head. Or taking that sword and piercing His heart one more time. Or being one of those in the crowd spitting in His face.

What will it take for us to stand up and be proud of our Savior, our King, our Lord? Are we such a proud people that we can not even take a little humiliation for HIM? After all look what He suffered for us!

RTB....Numbers 4-6....