Scripture
Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?” (For he knew that they had handed him over because of envy.)
Matthew 27:17-18, NET
Quote
~Joseph Epstein
A good example is a bad example; I am speaking of the devil. Satan is a fallen angel who was envious of Jesus. He wanted what Jesus had; to be the favorite Son and the center of praise and worship. The Jewish religious leaders, namely the Sadducees were envious of Jesus. They wanted what He had. Jesus had authority in teaching the scriptures; so much so, that people were fascinated and amazed and would sit for hours and listen to Him teach. The Gentile crowd at Decapolis listened for three days and even went without eating. I couldn’t hold peoples attention for three hours, let alone three days. Jesus had divine power, supernatural power: He could heal any disease or affliction; He could even raise the dead. Jesus could draw huge crowds and was popular with the masses. Jesus was highly praised for all His attributes and because He was God, He could handle the praise without it corrupting His nature. Thus the envious Sadducees hated Him. Sadducees are driven by their lust for praise, possessions and power. They crave wealth because that associate it with power over people. It was very disturbing to them, that a poor peasant carpenter turned rabbi had more power than themselves. They were green with envy. They wanted what Jesus had but they didn’t want Jesus Himself. They saw Jesus as a threat and they believed that by eliminating Him, they would secure their power and place within the nation. Of course they were blinded by their envy and they secured for themselves a place in hell, not in the KINGDOM.
Today is the NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER and we need prayer. Our meeting is at 11:30 at First Baptist in Hartselle. They are the host but I think MBA is the sponsor. We need 1,000 to show up. It would be encouraging.
Rather cool this morning but I don’t mind. Larry Slatter did get a room yesterday at UAB and they began running test on him last night. Our personnel and finance committee put a package together for Doug and he accepted. Our next step is a vote to call which I think can happen on May 16. We are excited.
Had a good visit with Vellene yesterday. She has an ear infection and both ears are packed with medication. It is a little uncomfortable for her because she cannot wash her hair until they take the packing out. Otherwise she was doing well.
I knew it would happen sooner or later: after forgetting two COLS last week, I forgot a dinner meeting yesterday. When I forget a dinner meeting, it is getting serious. Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.