Who am I living for? Or - who am I afraid of?

I am struck by Jesus' absolutely disregard for the then current religious order. It culminates in Luke 20 where the chief priests, scribes and elders (the who's who of the Jewish religion - in Jerusalem) confront Him demanding to know by what authority He was doing and saying the things He did.

And Jesus' reply? "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things". He then goes onto to deliver a parable of the vine dresser - and that they, and all that they represented throughout the ages, had abused God sent prophets and would kill the vine dresser's son. Many parables' meanings are hidden, but this one strikes a raw nerve, for the religious crowd responds "Certainly not!".

Jesus was confronting them head on, not bowing to their position/authority. These were the guys who represented God to the jewish and foreign nations. They had the calling, the 'anointing', God was on their side, they had upheld God's laws since Moses, and the priesthood since the same time.

And Jesus didn't care one jot. He went after them in the same way a piece of paper would fare in a blazing fire. It's the absolute truth with which Jesus speaks, the unbowing upholding of God's righteousness.. There is not one degree of bend. Not one inch is given.

.."whoever falls on that stone (the one they rejected) will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder". Ouch. This is unflinching judgement. He was very clearly telling them that they were against God's purposes, had rejected those whom God had sent, including His very own son. And what's more, the very son they had rejected would fall on them (judgement) and grind them to dust.

Jesus was affronting them in the most public way, bringing into the light that which had been hidden, measuring with his rod, holding them in the light of God's absolute perfection, holiness and character. And they didn't like it.

Ow. Ouch. What will the judgement be like? Surely it will be like this? They had no where to hide. It was very public. And it was absolutely pure. And there was no where to run.

Previously in the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-27) those who had hated the ruler/nobleman and rebelled against him ended up being slayed before him. A clear picture of those who have rebelled against God being judged to an eternity without Him.

I'm sure of all us have struggled with this at times. But as I meditated on this I thought about my company. In my experience the single biggest challenge in running and growing a business is finding and keeping the right people. We advertise in papers, job sites, use recruitment agencies, offer bonuses to staff who bring people, advertise on our website etc. We then sift the responses looking for the right person. I now understand "many are called but few are chosen". We call, and call, and call. But very few are chosen. Very few have the characteristics, personality, flexibility we are looking for.

But then once these people are working for our business, if I were to find out that they "hated" me and my management team (I'm the CEO), and sent a delegation to me stating "we don't want you to rule over us" whilst I was away on business.. what would I do?

I'd have only one choice, for as Jesus stated "a kingdom divided against itself can't stand". I'd have to remove these people from my company in order to protect my company. It may not be pleasant, not everyone would understand but I'd be astute enough to understand that not removing these people would result in no company. It would destruct from the inside.

And from this example of my business life I now understand two key things: 1. Many are called, few are chosen, and 2. judgement is essential to ensure a well ruled and safe kingdom.


So, what's this got to do with Luke 20? The thing that really hit me was Jesus knew what He was about. Knew His calling, His destiny, His father, His purpose. He knew it was to seek and save that which was lost. That He had come for those in need of a doctor. The broken hearted, the lame, the blind.. He didn't come for those who had no need of a doctor, the self righteous. In fact it was these very people who stood in the way of the masses believing in Jesus? They upheld a form of godliness but denying it's power. Better that a millstone is hung around the neck of anyone who causes one of these little ones to fall..

And so to me. Am I as driven by heavenly purpose? Or do I cow tail to others in fear of man? Do I run my life looking for men's praise, men's acceptance. Concentrating more on the external appearance, taking the best seats, being accepted in the marketplace and look great in my appearance.. (cf 20:45-47). Or am I willing to risk rejection for a higher purpose? Willing to risk loss of respect for the sake of the truth? Be poor in order to save some. Champion the unfashionable causes. Willing to lose credibility by laying down my life for my wife? Not be as successful in business because I spend more time with my family. Cause upset instead of peace by being true to God.

These are difficult questions.

My prayer: Heavenly Father, as I meditate on your word, pray, listen to my wife and family - I am so challenged. It's as if everything that man is supposed to stand for (ego?) runs counter to your purposes. My ego says that what is expected of me is visible apparent success. Success in business, in sex, in relationships, in friendships, in family. And this success comes primarily from money. And earning money requires long hard hours. And if you can enjoy your work, it's perfection. You make money doing what you enjoy. QED.

But to do that typically requires affinity with the world. And it's values. Working with people's whose heart is different from yours. Where unrestrained ego rules the day. And that's why I am doing what I am doing, to be salt and light, a witness - whilst looking to release finance, time and energy into Your kingdom. But that's easier said than done..

You were unflinching because you knew Your success wasn't driven by man, but by obedience to Your Father in Heaven. This is my example and prayer. That I would be willing to look a fool to this world, but receive the "well done" from Him who matters. That success is not measured in approving looks down here, but up there. Not by the size of my earthly bank account, the flashiness of my car, the cut of my suit, the size of my company.. That I will be as salt and light, to make decisions, take a stand, say things which will cause personal rejection. To demonstrate your righteousness, but at the same time your grace and love for those that recognise their need.

Help me to be unflinching, setting my face as flint to follow You, and be obedient to You, taking time to hear You. Because it's this that will fill me with joy. Not as the world gives.. But joy with my wife. Joy with my girls. Joy with me and You. Joy with my friends. And yes, joy in what you call me to do with my short life here on earth.

Success comes from You. You put in place kings. You remove kings. Kingdoms. Nations. Business empires. God help me to trust you. If you want me to be successful in the world's eyes (I'm all up for it!), but if you want me to be successful in Your eyes, whilst appearing a fool in the world's - then I'm going to need You even more. Either way, I need You.

God, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And you love me. And love me too much to leave me the way I am..