May 1
Bible Reading: John 18:12-24
John 18:19, “The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.”
In his excellent book, “A Grace Disguised,” Jerry Sittser shares of his personal experience in the aftermath of the tragedy that took the lives of his mom, wife, and daughter. A drunk driver, traveling at a high rate of speed, crossed out of his lane and smashed into Jerry’s vehicle. Obviously, that horrific accident led to much sorrow and many questions. Shockingly, the trial resulted in the drunk driver being acquitted of charges. Sometimes life can be so unfair. It was exceptionally so in the trial of Jesus.
The trial of Jesus was a sham. Jewish law set forth certain legal requirements for such trials: no trials were to be conducted at night; they did not allow for the admission of conflicting testimonies; using false witnesses was not permissible; witnesses were to be interviewed separately; charges were to be based on a plurality of corroborating witnesses; the judges were to act impartially. But in a frenzied passion of hate-inspired rage, the Counsel abandoned all judicial restraint. The truth was irrelevant and would not deter them. Jesus’ crime was that He had committed no crime. The light of His righteous nature had exposed the darkness of their evil hearts. The only solution, as far as they were concerned, was to put Jesus to death.
That Jesus willingly subjected Himself to such injustice is a matter of profound wonder. He, who had received nothing but eternal praise from an angelic host, endured the taunts and false accusations of a murderous mob. The Lawgiver was indicted by the lawless for imagined crimes. He who would judge all subjected himself to interrogation. God was on trial, and He made no defense! Jesus willingly subjected Himself to it all. 1 Peter 2:23 describes His response: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
Life is not fair; you can count on that sad reality (Ecclesiastes 9:11). But in best managing your response to unfair treatment, you’ll find no better example than Jesus: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus kept entrusting himself to him who judges justly, and we do well to do the same. God will have the final say in all that transpires on this planet. And we can trust Him to strengthen by His grace and justly settle all accounts in due time.
Life is not fair, but God judges justly, and we can trust Him always.
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.
Refrain:
Have faith in God, He’s on His throne,
Have faith in God, He watches over His own;
He cannot fail, He must prevail,
Have faith in God, Have faith in God.
Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God. He’ll answer yet. [Refrain]
Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh, leave them there. [Refrain]
Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 