May 21, 2012 What Do You Choose?

What Do You Choose? Mark 11:31-33 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘From men’ . . . .” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) 33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” DO YOU wonder, “Where is God when I need him? Is Jesus real for me today? I can hardly believe what the Bible says. Savior? I could use some saving right now, Jesus.” Why is it so hard to see Jesus in your life, do you think? Could you possibly be too much like these questioning teachers of Israel? They kept questioning, but they seldom believed. They seemed to always be demanding one more miracle or two more answers or some self-determined sign that Jesus was conforming to their view of life. They did not understand that Jesus came to change their view of life—life “right now” and life eternal. Jesus walked into their homes, villages, towns, synagogues, cities and temple. He spoke to them of the Kingdom of God, the illustrious wonder of salvation and the joy of forgiveness and love. But they didn’t buy it. Actually, they didn’t receive it. They didn’t have to buy it. Jesus was giving it to them. He was giving all they needed, and they refused it. There’s a deadly truth about people that is deeply disturbing. It goes like this, “When people face change or death, they choose death.” It’s true, isn’t it? Keep up the smoking, drinking, overeating, doing drugs, driving too fast, sexual immorality...ignoring Jesus. Pause and consider what Jesus gives to you is life for you.