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aron · 03-22-2016, 02:12 PM

I love the line, "But we all thought that He was going to be the Savior of Israel." That statement, by the dejected Clopas along the side of the road, was entirely political. And it was the royal "we"; speaking for all the followers of Jesus, I daresay including (and especially!) the twelve.

"Blessed is the Son of David! Hosanna to the Highest!" The crowds shouted as He entered Jerusalem. They were looking for a showdown with the true King of Israel versus the dreaded Idumean pretender Herod. And those Romans would be sent packing, as well. Hooray! No wonder they all shouted with glee!

Instead there was betrayal, pain, shame, humiliation and death. And soon rumors swirled, "Some people have seen visions of angels, and heard that He was alive." (Luke 24:22, 23).

Even when He was fully revealed, and His victory over death unquestionable, the political issue remained at the forefront: "Lord, are You at this time restoring the Kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6).

Today what amazes me most is how little we still get it. We may be ardent, burning, passionate, and faithful. But to what? Restoring the Kingdom to Israel? Perhaps... but is that all that was accomplished, there?

"Having made purification for sins..." unbelievable. My brain stops. Those were my sins, there, that were purified on that cross. Unbelievable.

What manner of love is this? And what kingdom was won, there? Absolutely astonishing. Beyond comprehension.

03-22-2016, 02:12 PM	#3
aron Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Natal Transvaal Posts: 5,632	Having made purification for sins, He sat down I love the line, "But we all thought that He was going to be the Savior of Israel." That statement, by the dejected Clopas along the side of the road, was entirely political. And it was the royal "we"; speaking for all the followers of Jesus, I daresay including (and especially!) the twelve. "Blessed is the Son of David! Hosanna to the Highest!" The crowds shouted as He entered Jerusalem. They were looking for a showdown with the true King of Israel versus the dreaded Idumean pretender Herod. And those Romans would be sent packing, as well. Hooray! No wonder they all shouted with glee! Instead there was betrayal, pain, shame, humiliation and death. And soon rumors swirled, "Some people have seen visions of angels, and heard that He was alive." (Luke 24:22, 23). Even when He was fully revealed, and His victory over death unquestionable, the political issue remained at the forefront: "Lord, are You at this time restoring the Kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Today what amazes me most is how little we still get it. We may be ardent, burning, passionate, and faithful. But to what? Restoring the Kingdom to Israel? Perhaps... but is that all that was accomplished, there? "Having made purification for sins..." unbelievable. My brain stops. Those were my sins, there, that were purified on that cross. Unbelievable. What manner of love is this? And what kingdom was won, there? Absolutely astonishing. Beyond comprehension. __________________ "Freedom is free. It's slavery that's so horribly expensive" - Colonel Templeton, ret., of the 12th Scottish Highlanders, the 'Black Fusiliers'