Aug 17

Faced with the most crucial of all questions, "What shall I do with Jesus?", many follow Pilate's example and seek to avoid answering it at all costs. They are even willing to let others decide for them, thinking that they can thus escape the consequences of making any decision. They turn to the crowd and say with Pilate to others concerning Jesus, "Here is your king" (John 19:14).

Your king--not mine. This Jesus, and all that other religious stuff, is for others -- you know, those religious people. Me? I'm a practical person. After all, I have to live my life in the real world, you know. It's fine for those other people to dream and wish for a better world, but I know what the world is really like. You take Jesus and make of him what you will, but I have work to do. Now, don't bother me with this Jesus any more.

"He took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. 'I am innocent of this man's blood,' he said. 'It is your responsibility.'" (Mt. 27:24).

But it is not that easy. There is no escaping the responsibility each of us has to account for Jesus. Each of us must decide for himself either to embrace him who is Truth or to reject him. We must accept reality or follow a scheme of our own devising.

It is ironic, as well, that those who think "religion" (what they falsely call Christianity) is not very "realistic" and that they, the nonbelievers, are more realistic in their approach to life than believers in Christ.

The truth is exactly the opposite. Any person who rejects the unseen aspect of existence rejects the basis for existence at all.

Scripture for today: 2 Kings 6:15-17; Hebrews 11:27
Thought for today: He whom I cannot see has made all that I do see.
Prayer for today: I worship you, invisible God, for I see you through the eyes of faith.

AUG 17