Lenten Season 2011 - The Past is in the Past

You don't need to look very far to see that the world is making history in the times that we live in. From civilian and military uprisings to governmental collapses, flooding and earthquakes we are experiencing monumental events at break neck speed.

But, as I reflect on the past few days in conversation with others it never ceases to amaze me how much time we spend living in the past. Ever heard the phrase, "the past is in the past"? I have. Many times. I'm sure I've even said it in an attempt to encourage someone to move on and embrace their future. It's difficult to live sometimes, don't you agree? The replay of events, conversations, situations that have maimed, stolen and fed lies to us is most difficult to turn off.

It makes me wonder... what if Jesus lived in the past? Now... I'm not trying to be irreverent and I know that time isn't an issue with and eternal God... but humor me for a second and place all of those things that we know about Jesus and the time, "up and to the right", as a wise friend of mine would say.

Can you imagine, Jesus living the past? Jesus is God... He leaves His throne and glory to come to fallen Earth. The place and those He created together with the Father and Spirit in loving community to emulate His character and reflect His goodness has been poisoned and perverted by sin and is now is in need of savior.

So here He comes! From His heavenly home where everyone knows exactly who He is to an unknown stable, as a helpless baby in a small town, destined to suffer the pain of people telling Him that He wasn't who He said He was, constantly question His gifts and talents, stripping Him of His rights, betrayal and ultimately a criminal's death.

Yes, we know the story doesn't end there... He conquers it ALL and claims His rightful place through His resurrection. He doesn't succumb to the apparent defeat in death! Through His triumph He makes a way for us to share in His eternal victory! He is all that He said He was and more!! He wins! Ha!

But what if Jesus lived in the past? What if He played victim to His unfortunate circumstances? What kind of hope could be offered to those who have suffered in their lifetime? Those rejected? Those abandoned? Those unjustly judged? Those abused? Those betrayed? Those stripped? I'm sure on some level and at some point we can all relate. But the TRUTH is... He didn't!

I'm convinced that part of the journey of becoming fully Christ's and fully me is stopping that replay. Jesus is the PERFECT example of how to live life in the midst of controversy and struggle and not lose who you are no matter what is being said or happening to you. So, that's what I'm going to do with His help. Stop the replay. Stop being afraid of what others might think. Stop questioning who He has made me to be and believe that He ALWAYS knows what is best and has great plans for me as a person and for those things He wants me to be a part of. So be it for all of us!