I will not give him leadership over

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“But they all began to make...

EXCUSES!”

“The time has come,” Jesus said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15

You and I are always trusting someone or something with the leadership of our lives.

The major factor in the outcome of our lives is who or what we trust with the leadership of our lives.

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.

The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. Isa 25: 5-6

In the Middle East, if you were invited to a home and you accepted, you were expected to attend. There was no refridgeration for the food, so your absence would be a financial loss for the host. The excuses offered by the guests are so outlandish that a public insult to the host is for certain. -Kennith Bailey

What excuses am I telling myself to keep the leadership of Jesus at a distance?

Are these excuses the real reason? Or, is there something else?

The Pharisees’ excuses: “Jesus doesn’t fit the ways of the Law.” The Pharisees’ real reason:

“I live for the praise of men, and I will not humble myself.”

Our stated excuse: “I have an intellectual problem with Jesus.” Is the real reason...? “I know Jesus’ leadership will bring moral and ethical changes I don’t want.”

Our stated excuse: “I cannot give Him leadership of all of my life.” Is the real reason...? “I will not give him leadership over my entire life.”

Our stated excuse: “Christians have hurt me in the past, and no one is perfect.” Is the real reason...? “I will not let Jesus heal me, because it empowers my personal comfort.”

Our stated excuse: “Jesus is just not practical in the real world.” Is the real reason...? “My heart’s ‘first love’ belongs to something or someone else.”

Our stated excuse: “I’m just so busy.”

Is the real reason...? “My heart is holding fast to this ‘idol’, and I am too scared to let it go.”

Our stated excuse: “I really do not like to read...” Is the real reason? “I really don’t think the banquet of the Kingdom is worth my time.”

“In the final analysis, our excuses say that Jesus and his Kingdom are not all that inviting. We would not say it out-loud, but that is what we are saying. ‘Thank you Jesus, but I believe that there are better offers elsewhere and life can be fulfilling without you.’” -D. Johnson

“Am I still able to experience the Loving Leadership of Jesus?” “Come, for everything is ready now.”

“It is Finished.”

How can I show practical love to those who doubt their loveableness?

As a church how can WE show practical love to those who doubt their loveableness?