March 23 - Pure Passion

Pure Passion

 

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16

When “The Passion of the Christ” was to be released ten years ago, there was a strong backlash regarding the contention that people felt might result from its message.   Anti-Defamation League Director Abraham Foxman said, “We are deeply concerned that the film, if released in its present form, could fuel the hatred, bigotry and anti-Semitism that many responsible churches have worked hard to repudiate.”  Bob Kraemer countered that in an article called “Is the Passion of the Christ Anti-Semitic?”

                 

He said, “Though the overt criticism of the film is potentially anti-semitic, a close inspection points out that the criticism is more a liberal agenda than a Jewish agenda.  Recent articles make it clear that the ADL are proponents of a pro-choice position, in favor of gay marriages, and want to preserve religious pluralism.  By religious pluralism they do not mean the ability to co-exist, but that all religions are basically equal and no religion should be able to make claims about absolute truth.  These are not Jewish positions but liberal ones.”  Someone else later said, “The bottom line is that critics of the film are critical of the claim that Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God.  The Passion of the Christ clearly claims that Jesus is Lord.   The film should not be censored for that belief.”  The newest release of the “Son of God” has had the same opposition.

We don’t have to look far to understand that the real reason behind the       controversy is that anytime the gospel is preached, people will accept it and people will reject it.  That has always been true and always will be true.  Scripture reminds us that the cross has always had that effect.   In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul writes, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” We shouldn’t be surprised.  Some will accept it.  Some will reject it.  Some will inquire about it.   Others will ignore it.  The cross brings people to a crossroads.  Jesus Himself said, “I didn’t come to bring peace but a sword.”

As Mel Gibson said in an interview with Diane Sawyer, “Jesus was crucified in Israel…not in Norway.” Mel Gibson put the nail in his own hand to say, “I am first responsible for Jesus death.” Rembrandt did the same in one of his famous paintings of the crucifixion placing himself as the one nailing Jesus to the cross.   Paul would write, “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16). Billy Graham had preached, “I’m the chief of sinners” and any person with a humble and contrite heart will say, “I will stand in line.”

While portrayals of Christ’s passion may vary from The Passion of the Christ to the Son of God to many others to come, the common denominator is a pure passion of the Savior who loves every person who has ever lived, is currently living, or ever will live.  Through the message of the cross, He wants us all to know several things:

1)  He created you (“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you

      were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

      Jeremiah 1:5)

2)  He values you (“You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your

       body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20)

3)  He has a plan for you ( “Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and

        all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33)

4)  He wants a relationship with you (“But as many as received Him, to them

       gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His

       name” John 1:12)

5)  He wants to remove anything that will ruin you (“For all have sinned and

       come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23)

6)   He wants to fulfill you (“The thief has come to kill, steal and destroy.  I have

       come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10)

7)  He wants to use you ( “You are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus

      to do good works which is prepared in advance for you to do.” Ephesians

      2:10)

There is nothing complicated about the message.  There is one Savior who is passionate in love with a whole bunch of people.  No blame, no burdens, and no bullies were responsible.   He came Himself for that purpose.  God is passionately in love with you…and that is the good news of the gospel.  That’s as simple as it gets..

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)    Why is the message of the gospel foolishness to those who don’t receive it?

2)    Of the 7 areas mentioned, what is God wanting to share with you?

Copyright 2014- Terry Risser

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