John 18:1-6

I was grieved to read something about our Lord. Granted, I had read this many times before. But sometimes, something old becomes new. Fresh. It jumps off the page. Read below.

John 18:1-6 NIV
[1] When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. [2] Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. [3] So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. [4] Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” [5] “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) [6] When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

At his words, “I am he,” people were literally knocked to the ground. There was that much power that came from and through the words of Jesus Christ. I read this and immediately, my heart grieved. So many are like this. Even at the sight of tremendous, superhuman power, the heart would not believe. These men would not believe. What would it have taken? What would it take now? Why is it so hard for some to believe? And, do not think I am writing to just “unbelievers.” Allow yourself to be disturbed if you find within your self an untouchable heart, a heart incapable of receiving impressions, promptings, nudges and convictions.

How sad that songs and movies can move us to tears, but not Christ. Not pain. Not people. Not prayer. Not starving kids in third-world countries. Not obesity that robs us of energy that could be spend for Kingdom purposes. You fill in the blanks.

Do the words, thoughts, person, and work of Christ no longer touch your heart? Have you been knocked down in the past, overwhelmed with this goodness and power, and yet today go about your business without looking at him?

Are you looking at Christ? Sinking further into Christ? Consumed with more of Christ? Fall on your face and pray. Cry out, until Christ is all you want.

Jeremiah records these words from the Lord to his people many years ago: “Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts” (Jeremiah 4:3-4).