Devout Contrast

Devout Contrast

Acts 2: ⁵ And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. ⁷ Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? ⁹ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” ¹² So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

¹³ Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

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Not as vested, I blew off another class. I mean the prior classes were boring and gave no vital information, or so I thought. When I decided to go to class, there was a pop quiz on what was discussed in the class I missed. I failed miserably.

• There have been times when I was not dedicated to what I was doing.
• There have been times when I decided not to listen to what was being said.
• There have been times when I have been present physically, but my mind was somewhere else.

People devoted to GOD from every nation, gathered in Jerusalem. Perhaps the news of JESUS healing the sick and performing other miracles brought them there. GOD spoke to those who were devoted to HIM and to those who were not. Only the devoted could hear the marvelous works of GOD. Others made fun of what they could not understand.

• GOD wants my devotion so I can hear HIM.
• GOD is excited to speak to me as long as I am willing to listen.
• GOD speaks to me with purpose in mind.

When GOD speaks, it is special. HE wants every nation to be saved and has plenty to say about this. Unfortunately when I am not devoted, I cannot hear what HE has to say. My worries and my concerns block out HIS message of purpose. BUT GOD still speaks every day. HE never gives up. I am glad HE cares for me and comes after me daily.

• Are you hearing GOD but are not listening?
• Do you mock those who hear from GOD?
• Will you stop trying to make GOD speak the way “you” want to hear HIM and devote yourself to HIM so you can hear what HE has to say?

Dishing It Out

Mark 18: ¹⁶ Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. ¹⁷ And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, ¹⁸ and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ¹⁹ Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. ²⁰ And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

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“She is a drunk” laughed the students in my class. I joined in on the laughter as I did not like this teacher anyway. She seemed to be very mean and I enjoyed everyone bringing her down a notch.

• There have been times when I joined in with those who mocked people.
• There have been times when I felt great being part of the crowd who was ridiculing a person.
• There have been times when I delighted in talking about a person in a negative way.

JESUS was going to be executed, yet the soldiers took time to stage a fake military leadership gathering in order to mock HIM. The planning took time so that all the soldiers could be there, more than likely standing in their ranks. Hundreds gathered. It must have taken hours as they stood waiting to get their turn to get their jab in. Some thought “Maybe I’ll hit HIM with a stick.”

• GOD wants me to understand I have the same hatred as any other person.
• GOD wants me to know that only HE can remove my hatred and replace it with HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to remember what HE went through in order to rescue me.

JESUS had a beating that was fueled by misguided hatred. That hatred started out as a small ember of dislike, then grew into a raging fire of hatred. GOD wants me to realize that I may not like everyone, but I need to love everyone, just as HE does.

• Is there someone in your life who just rubs you the wrong way?
• Are you letting that person transform you into a cold bitter person?
• Can you examine your heart and ask GOD to transform it into HIS heart of compassion?

Voice Impersonations

Matthew 27: ²⁷ Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. ²⁸ They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹ and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. ³⁰ They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. ³¹ After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

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“You sound just like him! Do it again.” said the students, egging me on. I pretended to be our teacher and impersonated his distinct voice again in a jesting kind of way. All around me laughed except one, namely the teacher.

• There have been times I have mocked people.
• There have been people I have ridiculed.
• There have been situations where I wanted to make fun of someone at their expense.

I had gone too far and the teacher showed me his authority by sending me out of his room.  The soldiers, however, went much further against JESUS. They wanted to make a public example of anyone who would call themselves “King.”

They thought they had the upper hand as they brutalized the ONE who chose to die for their sins and mine. As they mocked HIM they may have walked away with a sense of satisfaction, BUT GOD says something different.

• JESUS showed me that HE does not want HIS creation mocked.
• JESUS faced humiliation just like I have faced before.
• JESUS gave me an example of taking the shame even though HE had the authority to stop it.

Mocking the KING of kings and LORD of lords was not a good idea and did not bode well for the soldiers later. JESUS wants me to understand HIS shame and apply it to my actions towards others. HE says to me “Figure out another way to make them laugh instead of mocking them.” I am glad JESUS’s humiliation led to my salvation.

• Are you mocking someone?
• Do you feel “that” person is stupid?
• Will you take mockery out of your heart and ask GOD to replace it with love?