Doing Our Thing! (part 1 of 6)

During the 1960’s, one of the philosophies some wanted their lives to be governed by was, “I just want to do my own thing!” Perhaps there a lot of ideologies that the era of the 60’s is blamed for introducing that were really not new at all, nor are they nonexistent today. We live in a world where many still want to be left alone to do “their own thing.” The problem is that “my thing” and “your thing” many times conflict and collide. There must be some “OTHER THING” that needs to be focused on because it is very possible for “my thing” and “your thing” to both be in conflict with that which is right.

Over the next few days I invite you to focus with me on the arrest of Jesus after His time of prayer in the garden. The complete text we will be considering is Matthew 26:45-56, but note the first portion of these verses below that introduces several of the key players.

“(45) Then HE [JESUS] came to the disciples and said to them, ‘Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (46) Rise, let us be going; see my betrayer is at hand.’ (47) While he was still speaking, JUDAS came, one of the twelve, and with him A GREAT CROWD WITH SWORDS AND CLUBS, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. (48) Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.’ (49) And he came up to Jesus at once and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ And he kissed him. (50) Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you came to do.’ Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. (51) And behold, ONE OF THOSE [PETER ( John 18:10)] WHO WERE WITH JESUS stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.” ( Matthew 26:45-51 ESV)

Notice the various key players: Jesus, Judas, the soldiers and armed mob sent by the Jewish leaders, and Peter. Each of these were doing different things based on varying EXPECTATIONS, DESIRES, AND PERCEPTIONS of the situation. Where might we have found ourselves had we been on the scene? What would have been the basis of our role? Something important for us each to bear in mind is that whatever “our thing” is reflects something about our character and the view we have of our relationship to God.

Over the next few days the focus will begin with Jesus and end with Jesus (a very proper approach for all things relating to our life), with the consideration of the other key players in between. What I hope we can note together is the manifestation of “their thing” and what better PERSPECTIVE we can gain for our own lives in the process. Even bad examples can teach us something than can make us better children and servants of God. May we be open to the lessons we need.

Have a great day BEING A RIGHT PLAYER IN THE SCENES OF LIFE!
Carl

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