Shepastor: "It Depends Upon Who You Ask..."

62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch Matthew 27: 62-66 KJV

There’s an old adage, “consider the source.” People say this when scandalous reports are made, gossip is spread, cruel remarks are given or persons of questionable character share information – “consider the source.” In the text above, Jesus was considered a “deceiver.” If you asked the Pharisees, he was not only a nuisance, but a threat to their perceived power and influence. Jesus got in the way of their game plans.

The religious leaders had become abusive, manipulative, greedy and pompous. They did not care that Jesus brought love, encouragement, healing and deliverance to the people. He was messing up their plans, their image, their influence. People were turning away from listening to them and instead listening to God. He spoke truth. They spoke lies. He spoke love. They spoke hate. He preached deliverance. They laid heavy burdens upon the necks of the people. Jesus talked to His Father. They talked to Roman officials. Jesus sacrificed his life. They yelled, “crucify Him!”

To them, Jesus was a deceiver. To those of us who have received Him into our hearts, Jesus is Lord! It depends upon who you ask.

If you will dare to love, dare to speak truth, dare to make sacrifices, dare to preach deliverance, dare to stand up for what is right, dare to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, there will be those who call you names. You may be called a “deceiver,” a trouble maker, a nuisance, a provoker etc. But God the Father will call you His child. It depends upon who is asked.

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Until Next Wednesday
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris