The gospel writer Luke tells us in his witness of Jesus that there came a time when Jesus was “fiercely opposed.”  The opposition came from the most religious among the people, the teachers of the law and Pharisees.  They opposed him because they had much to lose.  Their very existence depended upon strict adherence to not only the written law but also all the oral rituals as well.  Jesus seemed unimpressed with their station and expertise.  So naturally, they hated him.  Privately, I’m sure this hatred was displayed openly with people of like mind.  But publicly their distaste for Jesus and his message took the form of tests and challenges.  This indeed was their way, but Jesus knew there was much more than academic debate contained within their questions.  He understood the motives behind the masks.

Have you ever stopped to consider the possibility that you are being fiercely opposed in your commitment to follow Jesus?  The opposition may be overt, expressing itself completely in the open.  But more likely it's subtle and has been growing right along with your faith for sometime.  The vines of “greed” (although we don’t really use that term) and “pleasures” are just two among many that control the way we grow.  We can only commit so much to God because most of it’s already been spoken for.  The questions the sages of our era ask are not, “which is the greatest commandment,” or “who is my neighbor” but different altogether.  Questions asked by clever adds that whisper, “Don't you deserve this?”  “Wouldn't you like to go here and experience this?”  Or one of the most insidious of all, “You’re not a good parent if you don’t give your child this opportunity!”  Whatever “this” is!

We need not be opposed by gruff, stiff-necked, God-hating atheists.  No, not when we’ve been carefully planted in the fertile beds of discontent and pleasure-seeking-after all we deserve it, right?

How is your commitment to Jesus being opposed?  Ask Him, you may be shocked by the answers!

–Dale