What happens when your life collides with Jesus’ life? You hear so many people say the phrase, “I never saw that coming.” It could be that a spouse is unfaithful and the other says it. It could be a hard worker gets let go from their employment and says it. It could be a long time pastor leaves a church and the congregation says it.
So many unexpected things happen to us in life. And I have found when they do and you find yourself in a valley moment, you have the opportunity to turn to Jesus and let him embrace you, love you and tell you that He’s got you.
In Matthew 27, we read how Pilate interacts with Jesus. As Pilate hears Jesus’ story, hears the crowd, hears the religious leaders and 3 days later, hears the story of Jesus’ resurrection, I’m guessing Pilate would have said, “I never saw that coming!” But things happen in life when your life collides with Jesus.
See, Jesus collides with public opinion. Pilate is swayed by public opinion and gives Jesus up to be killed. The world does care for what Jesus stands for: love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion to name a few. The world is all about “me”. But so many are waiting on someone to lead, to say “enough”, to genuinely care for the world like Jesus does. So lead.
Jesus also collides with personal life. Jesus is always messing with your relationships, in a good way. He has a tough saying in Matthew 10 where he says he will turn father against son, mother against daughter, in-laws against in-laws. It sounds rough but Jesus is saying, when you follow me and others don’t, it will create tension in your relationships.
Jesus also collides with our professional aspirations. Pilate didn’t want trouble but Jesus brought a lot for him. I worked for Walmart for 11 years and became a store manager. If I had stayed with them, I could have retired at 47 and never thought twice about money again. But God called me into ministry to do kingdom work and I’m so glad I listened. Jesus will reorient your direction when you interact with him and realize He is who He said he was.
Pilate asked the crowd, “What should I do with Jesus?” It’s the question each of us ask every day we follow Him. So the call is to make Him Lord of your life. Paul tells us in Romans 14 that every knee will bend and profess Jesus is Lord! He is the King of kings and Lord of lords; the Prince of Peace who wants to change your life forever. Blessings on your journey.