| The Child is Born: The Child’s Future |
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Reflections: Simeon’s prophecy revealed just how controversial Jesus was going to be when he said, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against…” This cuddly little baby was going to turn the world upside. And many people would hate him for it. As Mark Driscoll points out, too often we see Jesus as a peace-loving Galilean peasant hippie in a dress. He just existed to drink lattes and bring people together in love and understanding. Um…no. That kind of guy would have never incited an angry mob. Drinking decaf and wearing love beads doesn’t get many people crucified. Jesus was a source of never-ending controversy during his earthly life. And he still is today. We don’t see that often during the Christmas season. There is little controversy about a baby in a manger. Maybe that’s why you hear songs about Jesus in shopping malls during the Christmas season. It’s the one time of year when it is still somewhat politically correct to talk about Jesus. Christmas celebrates his birth, and babies are snuggly and lovable, not controversial. But Jesus didn’t stay in the manger. He grew up. And in his adult life, Jesus offended religious people. He often went against the social protocol of his day. When he pushed them too far, he was punished with a scandalous death on the cross. Think about the dichotomy of Jesus’ life. Worshipers came to him to celebrate his birth. But when he died on the cross, his own disciples abandoned him. Jesus became so dangerous…so offensive…that his own followers left him when he needed them the most. Don’t stop at the manger this Christmas. See Christ in all his dangerous controversy. Worship the one who has been hated, beaten, spat upon, and crucified. Remember…he was despised, rejected, and murdered for you. |
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