Present and Unaccounted For

Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne. - Hebrews 12:1-2 HCSB

Have you ever considered all the people who witnessed the death of the Christ? Consider with me for a moment all the different reactions. It could be very instructive as to how people react to Jesus today.

One thief continued to curse his own fate and to revile the Messiah who could have saved him. Are we like him? Do we rail against our lives and the consequences of our sin but fail to take personal responsibility? Do we fail to turn to the God who could save us from ourselves? Or, are we like the other criminal who was repentant and asked for forgiveness?

Perhaps we are like the soldiers who had so schooled themselves in professional detachment that they failed to perceive that the course of history was being changed before their very eyes. They got so focused on a few rags that they missed the Son of God hanging just above their heads.

Maybe we are like the civic leaders, officials and religious teachers who ridiculed Jesus. They tried to make themselves look good by making Him look bad. Has false pride distorted our view of ourselves or our understanding of what is just and right?

Are we like the crowd? Do we get easily swept up in the frenzy of popular opinion? Do we follow the strident calls of religious leaders without checking first with God and conscience?

It would be wonderful if we could be like the centurion who kept an open mind and a sensitive heart. He was touched and changed by Jesus' death. Are we equally sensitive to the profound meaning of the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah?

We should be like John and Mary; overcome with sorrow at what was necessary for our redemption. Are we sensitive enough to perceive the needs and sorrows that surround us and weep with those who weep or laugh in joy with those who are joyful? Can we find ways to bear other's burdens?

There are millions who know OF Christ without actually knowing Christ. Just like 2000 years ago, there are some who merely see and others who can perceive. Faith is not enough. Faith can be misplaced. We must place our faith in the right thing. We must place our trust in Christ. We must remove our faith in ourselves. We must launch by faith into lives that please God. We must not be like some of these lost souls who were present - but unaccounted for.