Day 225 “Living a Godly life speaks of itself.”

Day 225 Matthew 26:57-68 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” Reading this passage without becoming angry or judgmental is rather difficult for me, yet how can I be angry when, had these things not happened, we would be without hope? It is a similar rage that rises within me when I hear the constant barrage by the world on Christians and Israel. The same spirit that thought it would be victorious by killing Christ is the same spirit that rules the world today. Just as false witnesses were paraded in front of the leaders and people of that day, today we see false witnesses being paraded across our TV screens and hear them over our airwaves. That same spirit that influenced those men who bore false witness is the same spirit that influences people to commit heinous crimes in the name of god, pastors to fail, and so-called believers to water down their faith by compromising in the name of politics, peace, or whatever the latest movement is. Yet for us, as it was with Christ, words used to make a point or to defend ourselves against such a spirit, or with people influenced by it, are a waste of time. Why argue with anyone who has no desire to know the truth? Why try to convince someone they are wrong when, in actuality, they already know it but are too prideful to admit it? I liken it to those who support abortion. Why argue with them? They have made up their minds, and they are not willing to change. My favorite thing to say to abortionists is “If you don't believe it is a life, then why do you need to kill it?” The point is not about abortion; the point is that arguing about truth to those who desire not to know it is often a waste of time and can do more to drive people away than it does to draw them in. Again, were these people afraid of what Jesus said? No, they were afraid of who He was and what He did. His actions spoke louder than words, all the way to His death and resurrection. Are your actions and your lifestyle portraying one of confidence in Christ, love for your God, and obedience to Your savior? If so, you need say very little. If not, you’re probably trying to convince everyone, including yourself, who you are. Daily Prayer: Father, may we follow the example of Jesus in our daily walk. May we live a life that glorifies You rather than talking about it, yet compromising. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. “Living a Godly life speaks of itself.” Gene Burroughs, Pastor