In Mark 14, we find Jesus eating the last supper with His disciples. As they were sitting around the table eating and having a great time (as we Christians so ably do), Jesus dropped a bomb of atomic proportions. The paraphrase of what Jesus said goes something like this, “By the way, one of you eating dinner with me will betray me!” KABOOM! The sudden realization that there was a traitor in the midst changed the atmosphere around the table. Instant silence.
I find it refreshingly interesting that there was no finger-pointing or name-calling going on. Silence, but no suspicion. John didn’t lean over and whisper in Jesus’ ear while nodding toward Thomas, “Lord, I’ve had my doubts about Thomas. You better keep an eye on him.” Peter didn’t turn on Matthew saying, “You dirty skunk! I knew you weren’t for real!” Nothing of the sort. What did happen is that each man began to examine his own heart. Peter, who was there at the table and later recounted the event to Mark, mentioned that one by one the disciples began to ask Jesus, “Is it I?”
I’m sure we have all sat through memorable church services where the convicting power of the Holy Spirit was great. The message was especially strong, clear, and to the point. Sin, apathy, and unbelief were called out for what they were, and the altars of repentance were opened and the invitation was given. I wonder how many times we’ve sat through services like that thinking of all our sinner friends and family that really should have been in church that day. We sit there planted in our seats shaking our heads with a, ”Tsk, Tsk, I only wish so-and-so could have been here today.” Hey, I know. I’ve done that before.
Obviously, we all have friends and family who desperately need to hear what God has to say. But has it ever occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, God wasn’t talking about someone else? Maybe He was talking about you. Maybe the problem doesn’t lie in someone else’s backyard. Maybe it’s in your own backyard and is sinking roots!
My purpose in this article isn’t one of condemnation. My purpose is to encourage you to take a long, hard look at your own life. Don’t stare at other people’s faults and shortcomings. It isn’t polite. When the Holy Spirit begins to move and speak out to hearts, don’t strain your eyes looking for everyone you think ought to respond. When was the last time you responded?
You will never have to answer for the other guy, but you will have to answer for yourself. Instead of asking, “Is it him? Is it her?” just learn to ask, “Is it I?”
Pastor Todd Weston
I find it refreshingly interesting that there was no finger-pointing or name-calling going on. Silence, but no suspicion. John didn’t lean over and whisper in Jesus’ ear while nodding toward Thomas, “Lord, I’ve had my doubts about Thomas. You better keep an eye on him.” Peter didn’t turn on Matthew saying, “You dirty skunk! I knew you weren’t for real!” Nothing of the sort. What did happen is that each man began to examine his own heart. Peter, who was there at the table and later recounted the event to Mark, mentioned that one by one the disciples began to ask Jesus, “Is it I?”
I’m sure we have all sat through memorable church services where the convicting power of the Holy Spirit was great. The message was especially strong, clear, and to the point. Sin, apathy, and unbelief were called out for what they were, and the altars of repentance were opened and the invitation was given. I wonder how many times we’ve sat through services like that thinking of all our sinner friends and family that really should have been in church that day. We sit there planted in our seats shaking our heads with a, ”Tsk, Tsk, I only wish so-and-so could have been here today.” Hey, I know. I’ve done that before.
Obviously, we all have friends and family who desperately need to hear what God has to say. But has it ever occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, God wasn’t talking about someone else? Maybe He was talking about you. Maybe the problem doesn’t lie in someone else’s backyard. Maybe it’s in your own backyard and is sinking roots!
My purpose in this article isn’t one of condemnation. My purpose is to encourage you to take a long, hard look at your own life. Don’t stare at other people’s faults and shortcomings. It isn’t polite. When the Holy Spirit begins to move and speak out to hearts, don’t strain your eyes looking for everyone you think ought to respond. When was the last time you responded?
You will never have to answer for the other guy, but you will have to answer for yourself. Instead of asking, “Is it him? Is it her?” just learn to ask, “Is it I?”
Pastor Todd Weston
