Consider the example of Christ. Since we are His followers, Jesus himself said that we should not expect preferential treatment that the Master didn’t even receive. If we are convinced that Christ was the most perfect example of mankind to ever live, then He must have received the ultimate reward for his obedience, service, and sacrifice. He humbled himself to take the form of a human. He subjected Himself to the pitfalls, foibles, and follies of a community. He became a leader in a hotbed of religiosity and ritual. He selected leaders to perpetuate His teachings. And in the end, he did not become the great leader, his followers expected.
And therein lies the great twist. At the gathering on the mountain of the elect, called, and about to be commissioned, Matthew records that some present still doubted, while others worshiped. Their perspectives were limited by pain, disappointment, disillusionment, and uncertainty. How could his departure in any way be for their good and His good?
And yet, two millenniums later, time is measured by Jesus’ birth. The church that Jesus said would continue to advance is now present in many communities around the world. Martyrs continue to give their final testimony for the way in which Jesus changed their lives.
Scripture also describes the current state of affairs in Heaven. Jesus has completed the mission the Father had prepared for Him. He prays for believers to be strong in their testimony and trials. Angelic beings, elders, and saints continually offer sacrifices of praise, worship, and adoration to Christ. His obedience to the mission God had for Him, His fulfillment of the law’s commands and requirements, and His suffering and sacrifice granted Him a place of prominence and preeminence that is reserved for no other being.
For Reflection:
1) What things in my life appear bad, but may be used for good?
2) Think of a situation which looked temporarily bad but produced a better future for your life.
3) What part of my life is God using for His glory and my good?
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