Almost 2000 years have passed since Jesus Christ had shed His precious Holy blood on the Cross for cleansing the sins of mankind. Although the existence of God was even before the creation of the universe, still mankind is not able to recognise the presence of God. Why is it so? If we ponder upon this, there are two main reasons which prevent people from recognising the presence of God. Ignorance and Short Sightedness.

Ignorance

One category of people do not want to come under the regime of God so they have reduced the might of God to some figurine and placed it in their custody. These figurines vary from people to people and region to region. These sect of people do not understand the reason behind the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross which was a ransom for the sins of all mankind.  They are still believing on their own righteousness and want to do something to get rid of their sins. These people do not know who is Christ.

Short Sightedness

The other category of people are those who know Christ.  But they do not look beyond their territory.  In spite of giving thanks to Christ for what He had done on the Cross, they need some privilege in return for following Christ.  Once when I was passing by the train tracks I saw some workers  laying the railway track.  I could sense their sincere dedication, excellent co-ordination, and perfect execution in their task. Everyone was eager to see a train rolling over the track soon.  Remarkably, no one is going to get a free ride in the train that is going to run on the track, for what they have done so far.  But most of the servants of God expect some privilege for what they are doing for Christ. Their dedication depends upon what they are going to get back for themselves or for their family. Secondly, there is no coordination amongst them. Paul explains how we should co-ordinate in building Christ’s Kingdom.  

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. – I Corinthians 3:10.

Unfortunately no one wants to leave it to the second generation. Third is the execution of service to the Lord.  All wherewithal needed for the ministry is provided by God.  After availing all those grace, people hesitate to execute it unless and until they get some assurance that they will reap the harvest by their own hands. The marvellous wood work visible in most of the Cathedrals are prepared by our ancestors soaking it in water for almost 100  years before using it for constructing the woodwork in the Church. The People who have toiled would not have seen those woodwork at the Cathedral.  But they were generous enough to pass it on to next generation so that they would become a part of the Cathedral.

“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” – Ecclesiastes 11:1

Fear Causes Dis-belief

Our short-sightedness creates fear in our heart. When Hagar ran out of water, she felt like the entire water on earth had been drained out. Peter was always afraid of what Jesus was telling about His sufferings as he could not look beyond the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” – John 13:7

As Jesus rightly said, Peter was unable to understand the glorious purpose of Jesus’ sufferings and went to the extreme of denying Jesus.  Fear causes disbelief. But, at the same time, Jesus was able to undergo those sufferings keeping in mind the forthcoming glory.Hence the author of Hebrews encourages us to look at Jesus to get rid of our fear and anxieties.

..looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. – Hebrews 12:2-3

Let People Recognize His Sacrifice

As ordinary human beings, we always expect that our good deeds be recognized by others. In the absence of recognition we often find it difficult to go forward.  For us, recognition, undeniably is a source of encouragement. During this lent season, let us understand the heart of Jesus, who sacrificed His life for the betterment of all of mankind.  Does it not require our recognition?  May God help us to be instrumental in telling people His greatest sacrifice.

“…. let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16