Unfair Rethought
Walking into work this week I found myself talking to the Holy Spirit complaining about how unfair I had been treated and how I was going to show “them”. I would be successful in spite of them. I will rise above this unfairness and succeed. How could they not see my value and potential? One thing for sure, I wasn’t going to let myself be put into that position again.
I was about to walk inside when, as an afterthought, I thought I should pray. I turned my thoughts and heart to Jesus and I sunk… no thoughts, no words, just an overwhelming feeling of shame and sadness. My selfishness was right there in front of me stopping me cold. Unfair? Am I going to come to Jesus and spew out my anger and self-righteousness about unfairness over a petty issue? Absolutely I can, He wants me to come to him with all things in my life. But here the Holy Spirit stopped me; let’s talk about fair or unfair.
Had I been treated as unfairly as Jesus? Have I suffered bodily harm beyond imagination, to the point of death, all for the greed of man? Yes, we all know this was God’s redemptive plan but it was man’s sin that led up to the successions of illegal trials. He lived his short life teaching peace and love, showing us who his Father/ our Father is. He restored people back to their community and their families. He gave sight and forgiveness… He gave life. What he got was unfair trials and death on a cross… and even here Jesus was loving and thoughtful. He took care of his mother with his last breaths. He forgave the thief who hung justly beside him. He died willingly for me and there I stood all of a sudden aware of my pettiness, ashamed of myself.
Lord Jesus,
You are immeasurably great; there is no task too large or too difficult for you
You are truth; you are merciful
Please forgive my ignorance and pride. I am sorry for my bitterness and anger, please forgive me. Jesus help me to live in this world as you did and not desire to matter so much. Soften my heart toward those who are unfair, help me to see their struggles and pain. Help me to see, to know my worth to you. Help me to understand the depth to which you suffered unfairly for me…for us.
Holy Spirit, thank you for your guidance. Help me to live daily in a way that is pleasing to Jesus: my Lord, my Savior, and my very best Friend.
There I stood at the door, fairly or unfairly I was forgiven, restored, and ready to face a new day.
** https://www.gotquestions.org
**(1) No trial was to be held during feast time. (2) Each member of the court was to vote individually to convict or acquit, but Jesus was convicted by acclamation. (3) If the death penalty was given, a night must pass before the sentence was carried out; however, only a few hours passed before Jesus was placed on the Cross. (4) The Jews had no authority to execute anyone. (5) No trial was to be held at night, but this trial was held before dawn. (6) The accused was to be given counsel or representation, but Jesus had none. (7) The accused was not to be asked self-incriminating questions, but Jesus was asked if He was the Christ.
