Judging A Book By Its Cover

TITLE: Judging A Book By Its Cover
DATE:  October 25, 2019
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Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Matthew 26: 65-68 -  ESV _ Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

It's easy for us to judge a book by its cover.

It’s been a good many years ago that one of my church members picked up a small bouquet of flowers for his wife.
It wasn’t a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, he just wanted to give his wife a pleasant surprise. That’s how he happened to show up at the front door.

He rang the bell, and when his wife showed up with the baby on her hip, she was greeted by her husband who was holding a bunch of posies in his hand and was sporting a big sheepish grin on his face stretching from ear to ear.

The husband had a little speech he had memorized to top off the occasion. He never got to give that speech.

According to him... and I’m sure some things have been exaggerated for effect, before he could get the first word out of his mouth, she began like a machine gun..... She said

“Listen, hubbie, the baby has a touchy stomach; the washing machine broke, and your son got into a fight at school. Now you’ve really made my day by coming home drunk."

Looking at the cover, the wife misread the book. The soldiers who were beating Jesus did the same thing!

Under the influence of the devil, they assumed Jesus is a very weak Man. They beat Him as if He were a coward. They shouted at Him as if He were unable to defend Himself. They simply could not believe that Jesus is the most powerful Person Who has ever lived. It was His powerful love, not human weakness, which allowed Him to receive their taunts.

As Christians, who have read the Scriptures, we know that Jesus was neither enemy, or weakling.
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Jesus was the suffering Son of God Who was on a Divinely designed mission to save us. If He had to take spit and mockery to save our souls, so be it. He would not be turned from the way of sorrows which was leading Him to death on the cross.
Today, give thanks for our Savior Whose intentions are still misunderstood by a world which remains blinded by our old, evil foe,

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see, appreciate, and share Your Divine intentions to save the souls of sinful humanity. Keep me and mine from any activity which would tarnish Your Name. This prayer I offer in that precious Name. . Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html