Accepting the Messiah 

   “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will recognize before the angels of God.  But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12: 8 – 9) 

   I’ve often thought about how different things might have been if the religious authorities in Israel had recognized Christ as the Messiah.  The prophecies were all there, the evidence was right before their eyes, but they refused.

   Instead they clung to their nationalistic ideal of what the Messiah would be.  They wanted a Savior who would rout the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel.  Perhaps they had forgotten that Israel was never intended to be a kingdom, but the people of God.  A quick review of the kings of Israel should have reminded them that the people of God did not usually fare well under kingship.

   Of course we can never know how things would have turned out had those He had come to save accepted Him.  The world would most likely be very different, but I suspect the propensity to sin in mankind would still have created serious problems.  We will never know for sure.

   Like the religious leaders of His time, we also have the choice of accepting or rejecting Jesus as the Messiah.  In the hearts of those who rejoice in Jesus, the kingdom long sought after has arrived.  Not a kingdom of this world but one of the peace, joy, love, and happiness that comes from knowing God.

   The Israelites expected a worldly king and could not give up their misguided hopes in order to recognize the true King, the Son of God.  I too must realize that He did not come to make this life a heaven on earth.  He came to offer me eternal life in His presence. 

You came not to rule the world.

You came to rule my heart.

You did not bring an earthly kingdom.

Lead me to Your heavenly kingdom, 

Amen