Proof

TITLE: Proof
DATE: April 30, 2019
TEXT:  Mark 14: 55-56 – ESV - The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.
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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the man who made Sherlock Holmes famous.

I can’t be sure, but I don’t think he ever told of the time when the great detective and his sidekick, Dr. Watson, were on safari in Africa.

The two were days away from civilization, camping on the veldt when, in the middle of the night, Holmes awoke. He nudged his companion and asked, “Watson, old friend, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.” As Watson formulated his answer, he determined to look wise…at least wiser than normal.  He began:
“As I survey the heavens, I see many things. Astronomically, I see that there are millions of galaxies which have the potential of holding billions of planets. Logically, from the placement of the stars, I see that the time is approximately half-past three – in the morning. Theologically, I can see that there is a Creator Who made and brought order to all that I see. He is Someone Who is greater than we are, more powerful, and wiser than any human being, including yourself, Mr. Holmes. Meteorologically, I can see that we have every possibility of enjoying a sunny day tomorrow.”

Unimpressed Holmes asked, “Is that all you see?” Watson franticly searched his brain. Finally he groused: “Yes, Holmes that’s all I see. What am I missing?” Holmes sighed and said, :Something, elementary. You are missing the fact that somebody has apparently stolen our tent.”

Like Watson, the chief priests and the Sanhedrin were looking very hard so they didn’t miss something elementarily wrong about Jesus.. They needed something wrong enough that would allow them to sentence Him to death.

The false charges had been supplied; and trumped up charges had been  brought in.. None of them worked; all just  fell apart.

It is my hope you see the calmest Individual in that ancient courtroom is Jesus. Jesus knows any sinful charge brought against Him must be bogus Even so, He sees clearly He must follow the Father's will and die so that we might be saved.

The Innocent will die for the guilty. That was God’s plan and it worked. The risen Savior proves that.  He is evidence aplenty.

But it is evidence the world rejects.

Remember that fact when you hear charges being made against Jesus by people who hate Him today. Remember when you hear critics tear Scriptures apart. They may try to twist His words and His mission. Don't let their words bother you.
We who have been washed in the blood of Jesus, know there is no honest charge that can condemn our Savior. He remains, God's own truth.

It’s elementary, my dear friends, elementary.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, send Your Spirit to enlighten those who would try to make their reputations at the cost of Yours'. Let them see Your love and grace as I do. Let them see the Lamb Who is willing to die for humanity without defense or complaint. In Your Name. Amen.

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