Unfilled expectations lead to disappointment. Disappointment can lead to frustration. Frustration can lead to anger. Anger can lead to violence. So went Jesus' last week on earth.
Five days before his crucifixion, Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem being hailed as a king. Not the King of Kings we sing about each December, but an earthly king who was going to challenge the tyranny of Rome. Jesus was going to lead the revolution that would reestablish Israel as an independent state. It didn't matter that Jesus had never once taught revolution. His message was one of love and forgiveness, not violent overthrow. In fact, one of Jesus' few political messages was to "give back to Caesar what is Caesar's".
Hope. Excitement. Anticipation. All misguided into thinking that Jesus was going to change the status quo. And he did, just not in the way the people of Jeresalem had expected.
What do we expect from God? Freedom from hardship? Financial security? A rubber-stamp "okay" on the plans we propose?
What can we expect from God? Comfort. Wisdom. Guidance. Companionship. Discipline. Eternal life.
No comments:
Post a Comment