Over and over Jesus brings into clarity the true heart of God, one of compassion for people.  He reveals God’s value of people over ritual.  It is interesting to consider the pressure that is on Jesus to conform to the religious customs of his day.  At every turn, as He forgives, heals, hangs out with tax collectors & sinners, doesn’t fast at the right times, breaks the Sabbath the religious leaders attempt to squeeze Him into a mold of what they consider to be correct.  It is easy to criticize the religious leaders and their misunderstanding of who God is and what he desires from them.  However, it is convicting to me as I consider the many ways that I attempt to make Jesus conform to my own understanding and what I desire.  How would I react to Jesus’ pushing back against what I thought to be right?  Are there issues based on my up bringing that I hold sacred and to which I attempt to conform Jesus?

I was thinking about this as I read the responses to Christian author, Donald Miller’s endorsement of a particular Presidential candidate.  Almost every response from “fellow Christians” that disagreed with him was filled with name calling, disparaging remarks and questions as to the validity of his faith.  I am not endorsing any candidate myself, but I was sickened by the reaction of those that would claim the Prince of Peace as their savior.

Good night…I need to go talk with God about all of this.