| Cross Words: A False Messiah |
Richard Prow ~ rpcrosswords@gmail.com
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Somewhere around the year 33, many in the nation of Israel believed that their long awaited Messiah had finally arrived. They heralded his coming into the city of Jerusalem by waving palm branches and chanting “Hosanna” which means save. And saving is exactly what they were looking for in their Messiah.
The long weary and discouraged masses were anxious for their new coming king to sack the oppressive Roman government and drive it’s armies from their beloved nation once and for all. They were expecting this Jesus to heal their land, heal their bodies, and heal their pocket books with the wave of His hand and the roll of His tongue. Given his track record for miracles it shouldn’t have been too much to ask.
To the crowds dismay however their “supposed Savior” took upon Himself a crown of thorns rather than one encrusted with jewels. Instead of being seated upon a throne, He allowed Himself to be spiked to a tree. Worthless He was deemed to be and an impostor of the highest order. Within a 24 hour period He went from being praised to being persecuted. When the cross came into view the crowds faded away. Simply put, He wasn’t the Messiah they had been expecting.
2011 and not much has changed. The world, as well as many Christians, continues to seek a “savior” who will pave a primrose path. Fit bodies, fat bank accounts, and fantastic vacations are expected and at times even demanded from the “god” of miracles. ‘Peace and Prosperity’ is this spiritual generations bumper sticker slogan.
But take note. Christ didn’t come to save us from bankruptcy. He came to save us from our sins. His goal was not for us to be insulated from the pains of life but rather to escape spiritual death. If we are not understanding of that we too will disappear at the first sign of Calvary.. “When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away” (Matt. 13:21).
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