I Choose Jesus

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. [Romans 8.18-23]

Okay, I am undoubtedly going to cross the line here today. And, I m going to do so in declaring my belief that the Apostle Paul crossed it first!

Paul speaks of a "future day" when he says "God will reveal who His children really are..."

Contrast this to Jesus speaking to Martha and Mary regarding their dead brother Lazarus... What if Jesus quoted Paul at that time and place' "We are just "waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are..."?

But we all know that is not what Jesus said. In fact, Jesus used rather scolding words to Martha when she said Lazarus would rise again at the last day. And after hearing Mary's declaration in finality, Jesus became angry! Why? Becuase they were totally missing it! They were walking in sure enough emotion, but NOT the Spirit of God.

THANK GOD JESUS DID NOT QUOTE THE APOSTLE PAUL (passage above) TO MARTHA AND MARY!

Jesus never indicated that our adoption into God's family had delayed rights! Instead He challenged us to lives of faith! And! Jesus gave Himself as our example!

So, what do we do with Paul? I don't know, but it hardly seems right to discount Jesus' life and words because Paul said something different!

If I must choose between Paul and Jesus, I choose Jesus! (Every time!)

Father, it seems like Paul confirmed a powerless Church that Jesus never intended! Jesus' words were challenging. Paul's seem a little depressing!