What a weekend, Father! My last day at Kohl’s was bitter-sweet. Your presence was felt in our worship services today. You provided me with the strength and wherewithal to get some outside things done afterward and then head to a time of food and fellowship at Beulah. I am grateful for Your ever-abiding presence.

Matthew 26:57-68 (<<click to read the passage)

They only saw what they wanted to see. They refused to see things as they truly were. In essence, Israel’s religious hierarchy wore self-imposed blinders. For months they had been searching for a way to get Jesus where they wanted him – a place where they had the upper hand. (And in reality, they were allowed to do so only because it was a part of God’s plan from the very beginning.)

Even the midst of it all, they couldn’t get any cohesive charges to come together. Finally, Jesus Himself gave them what they wanted.

…the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God – tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

…I AM who I AM…

That’s all they needed and their pompous pride ran with it. Blasphemy! Guilty! Death!

Lord, what do I do with the truth of who You are? Do I fill in “the blanks” with my contrived notions? Do I twist words and situations to make sure that my desires come to fruition?

Lord, remove any blinders of my own construction. May I clearly see who You are. And may that be the motivator to fall at Your feet – to acquiesce to Your sovereignty in my life – no ifs, ands, or buts! Amen!

Dec 2nd, 2018, Sun, 7:43 pm