A British actor was once asked if actors had any traits which set them apart from other human beings. “Without a doubt,” came the reply. “You can pick out actors by the glazed look that comes into their eyes when the conversation wanders away from themselves.”
Applied to human beings, such self-focus is mere arrogance. But God promised Messiah could rightly claim to be the subject of any conversation. In fact, He’s the most important person we could possibly talk about! On the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, the conversation in the Upper Room rightly centered on Him. But Jesus’ prediction of His impending death (John 13:33) disturbed His disciples, so he comforted them with the truth that His death had a glorious purpose. He was going to prepare a place for them in heaven and promised to return.
One of the Lord’s ministries is to go before His ‘grace saved’ people (Ephesians 2:8-9) so they can follow him. In the ancient Roman army, there were reconnaissance troops who went ahead of the main body of the army to blaze the trail and to ensure that it was safe for the rest of the troops to follow. This is what Jesus did for his people in the spiritual realm. He blazed the way to God and to heaven so that we may follow. Jesus made it clear that he was the only way a person could enter the presence of God (Acts 4:12). He didn’t talk about ‘a’ way. He said he is ‘the’ way (John 14:6)!
On that night before He was crucified, Jesus assured his disciples of his ultimate triumph by predicting His own return (vv. 3-6). The One who came the first time by way of the manger, in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, will come again! Death would not and could not hold him in the grave! The song writer penned, “He tore the bars away!”
A quick look at history reminds us that wars, pestilence, disease, political corruption and heartache have afflicted every generation. It is easy to focus on these things and be filled with despair, but Jesus reminds us in this portion of scripture that our focus should ever be on him. As sure as he died, was buried and three days later arose from the dead (the Easter anthem); He is coming again! The first time He came, it was to pay the price of our sinfulness – death (Romans 6:23). The second time he comes, it will be to reign victorious with those who acknowledge Him as Lord (Romans 10:13)! Do you? Will you?
The writer is the pastor at First Baptist Church, 309 E. North St., Sidney.
