Luke 22:67-68 “If you are the Christ, ” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.”

Human beings have an amazing ability to make up their minds and then close them firmly, accepting no further input. It’s quite remarkable that Jesus could be so calm under the circumstances, and that’s one of the many things that got under the skin of His enemies. They wanted Him to fear them, and He refused to do it. We see that sort of thing around us all the time. Those who lust for control often seek to gain it by generating fear in those they want to control, and it drives them bonkers when people refuse to be afraid. That’s one of the things generating the fierce opposition to Donald Trump: he isn’t afraid, period. The “deep state” has operated so long by secrecy and fear that they are driven into panic by the idea they might be exposed by those who aren’t afraid of them. Reading this story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion should teach us that the only things new today are items of technology; the hearts of men haven’t changed. The answer is obviously to trust and obey the unchanging Creator of the universe, who loves us so much that He sent His Son to save us. Also, we need to learn from these men’s bad example and not close our minds and hearts to what God is saying to us. God reveals Himself to those with tender hearts, but when we get set in our ways He may say exactly what Jesus did here, and that would be tragic.

I have had my moments of being stubbornly convinced of things that weren’t true, and the result has never been good. I need to keep my heart in submission to the Lord in all respects, because only then will I be able to discern accurately His truth from all the lies the devil keeps throwing at me. I aspire to absolute honesty, following my father, but I’ve got to remember that was God’s policy long before my father was ever created. God is the definition of truth, just as Jesus said, (John 14:6) but those who seek to replace Him make that claim for themselves. It was a shocking eye-opener when the Prime Minister of New Zealand said, several months ago, “It’s not true unless the government tells it to you.” She’s out of office now, but she’s been given teaching offers at American institutions of “higher education.” I am to speak the truth in love, and never back down when I am accused of “hate speech” simply because what I say doesn’t agree with demonic fantasies.

Father, thank You for Jesus’ example in all things. Thank You also that You don’t have me in the US, particularly in academia, where I would probably be in constant conflict. Keep me from seeking out conflict. Rather, enable me to speak Your truth effectively so as to open people’s eyes, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!