Taking Notice!

People give notice when quitting a job or planning to move and expect some kind of response. Notices are posted in public places as required by law to inform of changes in land or other property use and it is up to passersby to notice them.

Someone has said, “It doesn’t do any good to sit up and take notice if you keep on sitting.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C.
McKenzie]

As Jesus went about His public ministry there were many who sat up and took notice. However, many did not appropriately respond. Some folks hated Him while others loved Him. There were some who walked away while others earnestly followed after Him. The Classic film “Ben Hur” (released in 1959, starring Charlton Heston; a remake of a silent film from 1926) was based upon a novel written by General Lew Wallace whose underlying premise was to point out that regardless of what was going on in history, the life of JESUS COULD NOT BE IGNORED. As Jesus walked the face of this earth, that is exactly what happened. He may not have been well received by all, but He could not be overlooked. From Jewish leaders on down to the common people He was noticed. Even Roman officials became well aware of His presence and activities. (i.e. Acts 26:26-27)

For centuries multitudes have tried to ignore Jesus, but His impact on souls even today has not faded. Many have attempted to explain away the things He said and did, but the Gospel of Jesus is still being proclaimed.
When the name of Jesus comes up, there is still the call to sit up and take notice. But where it goes from there is the most consequential.

John warned…
“(4) Whoever says “I KNOW HIM” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, (5) but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in
him: (6) whoever says he abides in him OUGHT TO WALK IN THE SAME WAY IN WHICH HE WALKED.” ( 1 John 2:4-6 ESV)

As we sit up and take notice of Jesus, let us not continue to merely sit. Rather, let us remain determined to WALK AS HE WALKED. To really know Him is to love Him and to strive to be like Him. Having been buried with Christ in baptism, we did not rise to do nothing. We have been raised with Him to walk in “newness of life.” ( Romans 6:3-4) May we live in a manner that others will take notice of Jesus’ presence in our lives.

Have a great day RISING TO WALK WITH AND FOR JESUS!
Carl

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