The Final Insult is at God

Scripture: He trusts in God; let God rescue him now—if he takes pleasure in him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ Matthew 27:43

Observation: Shockingly, THIS is the mocking sentiment of the Chief Priest and scribes ... THIS is the way they insult Jesus ... they declare that since he trusts Yahweh, let's see if Yahweh saves him.

That's right, the Chief Priest and the religious leaders don't just insult Jesus for declaring himself the Messiah. The don't just doubt his authority and power. They don't just violate the law by the very manner in which they conducted the trial and execution. Any of these acts individually would have been enough to question their knowledge and authority given their positions. No ... they insult the Lord himself, challenging the idea of trust in the Lord through faith, and mocking a Jew because he dares to believe that the Lord has power and authority.

There are certain readings of the events of the crucifixion that require a detailed reading and historical contextualization to understand the magnitude of what is happening. This is not one of those events. There is no nuance. The religious leaders of the Jews stand before the world and insult the idea that the Lord can save people.

Application: I am almost speechless reading this today. I said this issue doesn't require a close reading, but to be honest I have glossed over this concept in the past. As the very last element of Jesus' ministry, the Jews publicly declare the attitude that Jesus has accused them of all along ... they no longer have faith in the almighty delivering hand of the Lord. And in the end, this is not just Jesus making statements in interpretation of their actions, but rather it is a declaration from their own lips.

I know God doesn't always "deliver" us. That is by his choice, aligned to his purposes and plans, and far beyond our understanding. Even Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew this when, standing before the fiery furnace, they declared the Lord could save them, but that he may not, and that did not change the conviction of their faith and obedience to his word.

However, may I never loose faith that he can save. I know he can, in any and all situations. I know that saving may not take the form I hope for, and that's my fault for hoping for the wrong things. In the end, I may doubt what God WILL do, but I will never doubt what he CAN do.

Prayer: Lord, you are my fortress, my rock, and my salvation. I do trust in you alone. Please forgive me for when I disobey your precepts and commands, and for when my heart wanders from you. I wish to be more and more of what you want me to be here on earth. I believe in you, and that goes for every aspect by which that phrase applies. Amen.