Read Lk 22:14 – 23:56.
God is mad. He is really and stupidly mad. Jesus too. Surprised at my utterances? Don’t be. Do you agree with me on this? I guess not but all the same I’m more than ever convinced that they are both mad.
If not madness who in his/her right senses would willingly give up his/her only child to be killed, a shamefully for that matter? Who in his/her right senses would willingly accept to give up all of his power, influence, sovereignty, wealth, inheritance just to die for one miserable person; a disgraceful and shameful death, where one would be stripped naked, raised on a wood for public spectacle? Is there no other better way to die like just going to sleep and not waking up?
But wait a minute, is God and Jesus truly, really and stupidly mad? Yes they are; and I’m more than convinced for I will say it a zillion times over. What gives me this overwhelming conviction? ME!!!
I am the very reason why God and Jesus are stupidly mad. They love me so so much and can’t afford to loose me (cf. Jn. 3:16). Jesus even had to empty himself of his glorious Godhead, took my miserable nature and died a shameful death on the cross (cf. Phil. 2:6-8); there taking on himself my infirmities, my sufferings, being crushed for my sake and took my punishment as well (Is. 53:4-12). And as such freeing me from all forms of condemnation (Rom. 8:1) and bestowing on me that wonderful assurance of being a child, heir of his kingdom (vv.15-17).
This madness was so strong as reflected in that intense look he gave to Peter after he had denied him three times and brought tears into his eyes (Lk. 22:61-62). It was not a look of condemnation but one of “I know but I still love you so much” (the episode at the shores of Tiberias in Jn. 21:15-19 reflects this), remember in Lk. 22:31-32 before he predicted Peter’s denial he prayed that when he (Peter) had turn back again he would strengthen his brothers.
Surprisingly too, it (God’s madness) reconciled two arch enemies just like that (23:12). Can you beat that? This seeming “madness” is the power and wisdom of God (cf. 1 Cor. 1:24). For humanly speaking it is outright stupidity and foolishness but not for God. As Paul puts in v. 25 “The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” The cross is the madness of God. This is why I say God is mad. My friend, God is mad because of you. He invites you to join him on the final lap to the cross where he wants to do something new for you this year, by changing your story as he did especially for Pilate and Herold (Lk. 23:12) and the thief that asked to be with him (Lk. 23:42-43). Would you? As for me and my house I will gladly and gloriously key into this madness of God. For here lies my hope and victory, my strength and my life. “O sweet Jesus, look down on me with your eyes of mercy as you did to Zacchaeus, Peter and the thief that died with you on the cross for the storms around me are getting stronger and stronger. I cannot face it all alone even to journey with you to the cross, for my strength is failing greatly. Stay with me O good Jesus, I need you more than ever now.”
Pray today with the song: “God of mercy and compassion” and “I need thee every hour.” Study Lamentations chapters 1 & 2.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.