“Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed.”
Isaiah 59:14 NLT
There are moments when the world stands still. I can remember those instances in my own experience when I’ve been asked a critical question and for a moment my mind races to analyse all my options. The question hangs in the air and every eye is on me waiting to see my response. I hear the question, yet don’t know the level of information my inquisitor has. I am back at school in the classroom standing before my teacher with the whole class watching. Everything depends upon how I answer this question.
Jesus stumbling beneath the weight of his burden, the redemption of all creation, still has choices. Will the message from his ministry prove authentic against this backdrop of defeat? It’s as if creation holds its breath. Jesus stands before a public that has both celebrated and condemned him. Friendship with God for everyone is the offer. Will Jesus even make it to the point of his execution or die exhausted in the attempt? Is there a last moment miracle to shock the crowds and demonstrate his authority? Is this the sad end to a remarkable and inspiring story whose promise is unattainable?
In those moments in the classroom I run the odds as best I can in my head.
Honesty has consequences. I may be congratulated, yet also punished. Other routes may preserve my dignity, yet may only leave me creating a whole new web of lies. In itself this offers even greater risk of future exposure. Jesus has no need to run the odds. He knows his direction and destiny. Yes, his honesty has led to the most horrendous punishment applied by the ruling authorities. Yet, his honesty is almost unbelievable to a watching world. That borderless liminal space may last a weekend, but the boundaries fall creating a safe space of redemption and hope.
Question – To what extent will you do the work of learning how to live in Jesus’ footsteps?
Prayer – Lord Jesus, give all those who are hard-pressed the courage to stand for your truth and to follow you, whatever the consequences may
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